What are the dangers of AV blockage?

Question

My 14 year-old son was just diagnoised with AV blockage. The doctor is receommending a pace maker. How dangerous is this condition?

Answer 1

They are correct, here is some information for you, but don't delay treatment:

Type 2 (Mobitz II)

Type 2 Second degree AV block, also known as Mobitz II is almost always a disease of the distal conduction system (His-Purkinje System). Although the terms infranodal block or infrahisian block are often applied to this disorder, they are not synonymous with it. Infranodal block and infrahisian block are terms which refer to the anatomic location of the block, whereas Mobitz II refers to an electrocardiographic pattern associated with block at these levels.

Mobitz II heart block is characterized on a surface ECG by intermittently nonconducted P waves not preceded by PR prolongation and not followed by PR shortening. The medical significance of this type of AV block is that it may progress rapidly to complete heart block, in which no escape rhythm may emerge. In this case, the person may experience a Stokes-Adams attack, cardiac arrest, or Sudden Cardiac Death. The definitive treatment for this form of AV Block is an implanted pacemaker.

Answer 2

I wouldn't use the word 'dangerous' exactly. Basically, when someone has an A.V. block the electrical signal is stalled between the atria and the ventricles. Left untreated it can go into a high degree heart block(if it isn't already), and your son could faint often, or become weak. His heart rate will be very slow. Will he die? Not likely. But he won't feel good. My guess is your doctor recommended it more for the improvement in is quality of life than because he's concerned about him dying or becoming sick.
As far as I know, there is no medication he can take.

Answer 3

In more simple words. there is a problem with the electricity in your son's heart. There are special fibers in the heart that allow the electric current to travel through the heart in a special way that a good contraction results. ( a good heart beat with good pumping of blood )
your son has a problem with this electrical system and this can be somewhat dangerous if not treated.
A pacemaker is a way we can correct the problem. its a safe procedure that only needs 30 min. your son will not be in danger anymore but will need regular follow up for care of his pacemaker.