Name of the Condition

• Atrioventricular Block, Second Degree
• Also known as Type II AV block or Mobitz type II block.

Summary

Second-degree atrioventricular block is a heart condition where electrical signals traveling from the atria to the ventricles are intermittently blocked. This can result in missed beats or delayed beats, making the heart sometimes beat slower than normal.

Causes

• This condition is often caused by damage to the heart's electrical conduction system due to heart disease, such as coronary artery disease, or as a result of post-surgery complications.
• It may also be caused by certain medications or electrolyte imbalances.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in older adults.
• Existing heart conditions: Such as congestive heart failure or previous heart attacks.
• Use of medications: Especially those affecting heart rate and conduction.
• Electrical pathway disorders: Such as bundle branch blocks.

Symptoms

• Patients may experience dizziness, fatigue, fainting (syncope), or palpitations.
• Some may notice no symptoms, with the condition identified incidentally during routine check-ups.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosed through electrocardiogram (ECG) which shows characteristic patterns of block.
• Holter monitoring or event monitoring might be used for ongoing assessment.

Treatment Options

• Treatment may include medication adjustments if the block is drug-induced.
• For significant symptoms, the implantation of a pacemaker, which helps regulate the heartbeat, can be necessary.
• Addressing underlying conditions such as coronary artery disease.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With treatment, especially pacemaker placement, the outlook is good, allowing for a relatively normal life.
• Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor heart function and pacemaker settings, if applicable.

Complications

• Untreated, it can progress to a more severe type of heart block, potentially leading to more severe arrhythmias or heart failure.
• It can also increase the risk of stroke or other cardiovascular events.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Lifestyle changes such as heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking can help manage underlying heart health.
• Regular check-ups and managing risk factors like hypertension and diabetes are preventive steps.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate help if experiencing severe dizziness, syncope, or palpitations that differ from your norm.
• Any sudden onset of symptoms signaling possible heart block requires urgent intervention.

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association: www.heart.org
• MedlinePlus: www.medlineplus.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure to confirm the specific type of block (second degree) when coding.
• Be vigilant about associated underlying conditions or procedures for comprehensive coding.
• Avoid using unspecified cardiac conduction disorder codes to ensure detailed and accurate reporting.