Cardiac blockage occurs precisely in the coronary blood vessels that function to supply oxygen to the heart muscles. Symptoms of heart block should not be underestimated, because if it occurs in the long term it can have a negative impact on health.
Cardiac blockage is generally caused by a buildup of plaque on the walls of the heart's blood vessels. Plaque deposits or atherosclerosis can form from cholesterol, fat, calcium, and blood clotting materials.
Symptoms of Cardiac Blockage to Watch Out for
Cardiac obstruction usually does not show significant symptoms until the blood vessels are completely narrowed and blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked. Some of the common symptoms that arise from a heart block include:
1. Angina pectoris
Angina pectoris is chest pain due to reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. The pain may radiate to the arms, neck, chin, and back. The greater the blockage in the arteries of the heart, the more severe the angina pectoris that occurs. This condition can last several minutes, and is usually triggered by physical activity or stress.
2. Shortness of breath
A heart block can prevent the heart from pumping enough blood to meet the body's oxygen needs. As a result, you can experience shortness of breath. This condition can worsen with physical activity or stress.
3. Dizziness and fatigue
Frequent dizziness and lack of energy can also be a sign that you are experiencing symptoms of a heart block. This condition is often felt when you are active, but sometimes it can also be felt at rest.
4. Heart attack
A heart attack can occur when the heart's blood vessels are completely blocked or the heart's oxygen needs are not being met. This condition is one of the most severe symptoms of heart block and must be treated immediately so that there is no permanent damage to the heart muscle.
A heart attack is characterized by severe angina pectoris and may last for more than 15 minutes or not go away with rest. Other symptoms that can occur are cold sweats, dizziness, nausea, and weakness.
All symptoms of heart blockage can recur if not treated. Usually, symptoms are felt more often if physical activity increases because at that time the body needs more oxygen and the heart has to work harder.
Heart Blockage Risk Factors
Heart blockage can happen to anyone. However, there are a number of factors that can increase a person's risk of developing this condition, namely:
- Male and over 65 years of age.
- Have a family history of heart disease.
- Have high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
- Suffering from diabetes.
- Having obesity.
- Have high blood pressure.
- Active smoking
- Having an unhealthy lifestyle, for example, often eating high-fat and high-fat foods and not exercising enough.
Treatment for a heart block can include a number of things, from healthy lifestyle changes, medication, to performing surgical procedures to reopen blocked blood flow. Treatment is carried out according to the severity of heart blockage.
If at any time you feel the symptoms of a heart block for the first time, immediately stop your activity and rest. After the symptoms disappear, call your doctor to make a doctor's appointment.
If on examination you are diagnosed with a heart block, you will be given medication to relieve your symptoms and reduce your risk of a heart attack.
Don't hesitate to ask your doctor what things you should do if you have a heart attack, including what medications to take and how.