heart block

[JoW2023]

Has anyone had heart block that hasnt progressed? My son has first degree heart block, via a defected gene which he inherited from his father, and he's checked annually. His dad has a pacemaker and complete heart block.

I'm worry a lot about my son and what the future may hold. Has anyone experienced something similar and the heart block hasnt progressed?

The cardiologist always seems quite blase about it.

[littlegems2]

hi

I’ve been diagnosed recently with 1st degree block and 2nd degree in the last 2 years , and have had my recent tape which has shown no changes since last tape 2 years ago and they have said reassurance is all that’s required at this time. It’s frustrating for me as i have symptoms of dizzy/ breathlessness/ chest pain and have always been a fit healthy person. I’m only 42 and it’s been a shock for me.

I’ve been advised that I should continue with being active and try and lead a normal life.

They are quite Blaise about it as there’s no type 2 2nd degree present. They always advise people live with 1st degree and don’t know they even have it, which isn’t helpful when you do know you have it and 2nd degree and I get symptoms.

I feel for you as I worry long term about it and can’t imagine how you feel with it being your son and that there’s a family history . It does feel like unless they see type 2 2nd degree or 3rd they don’t see concerns.

[JoW2023 in reply to littlegems2]

Thank you for taking the time to reply to me. I can understand the worry you must feel.

Can I ask, do they know the reason for yours? Is it genetic? My son has no symptoms but I had both my children tested when we found out me ex husband has the problems and unfortunately, my son was found to carry the defected gene. My daughter doesnt have it luckily.

At our last appointment, the Cardiologist told me that with his current ECG, if he didn't carry the gene, she probably wouldn't even ask to see him again but as he does have the gene, he needs checks every year. I get very anxious about it all of the time. I think as most people dont know they have first degree, we dont know about people who have it and it doesn't progress. We tend to only find out about people's heart block once it has progressed.

Which hospital are you with?

[EMBoy]

I'm sorry that I can't reassure you about progression of heart block, but I can share some of my experience.

Five and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with Mobitz type2 heart block and given a pacemaker. Since then, it has progressed to stage 3 and I am now pacemaker dependent. When I was leaving hospital after my pacemaker was fitted, one of the nurses said to me that I would now have a new lease of life, and she was correct. Instead of being a hindrance, my pacemaker allows me to live a full and active life, and I hardly know it's there most of the time.

I know that you must be very worried about your son, but it looks as if he is getting good care, and his annual check-ups will allow them to treat him if it becomes necessary in the future. If you are very worried, you could try contacting the BHF nurses for information and reassurance. I've heard they are very good.