About Heart Blocks
Heart Blocks
Within the heart is a sort of electrical system that sends signals from the upper chambers to the lower chambers that causes the heart to beat and pump blood. Within this system there are many opportunities for error. When these errors occur, they are usually referred to as a heart block. This block occurs when the signal is disrupted or slow downs. The reason people develop a heart block is vast, certain medications, diseases, surgery, and heart defects are a few examples of causes.
Heart block can be acquired throughout life, which is more common, or a person can be born with it. It is a type of arrhythmia, meaning a problem with the rhythm or rate of the heart. There are three degrees of heart block: first degree, second degree and third degree. First degree heart block rarely affects the person at all, and requires no treatment. Second degree block causes dizziness, fainting, or even the heart skipping beats. Third degree heart block can be fatal if not treated. It causes dizziness, fainting and tiredness. Third degree significantly limits the heart from pumping blood to the rest of the body.
The normal route to treat a block is to place a device called a pacemaker in the heart of those suffering from third degree heart block, and on some occasions second degree block. This device sends the electrical signals to the heart to pump that it is not naturally doing on its own. To diagnose a block, an electrocardiogram is the tool to use. This is where an ECG Technician comes into play.
Those who are interested in diagnosing problems with the heart, such as heart block, becoming an ECG Technician is the route to take. ECG/EKG classes are available at most community colleges and full fledged universities. ECG/EKG training can take anywhere from as little as 60 hours of coursework to four years to complete, depending on what program you choose to enter. Many ECG/EKG training will require on the job training before letting the students out on their own. All the programs will eventually lead to ECG/EKG certification.
Those who choose to become ECG/EKG certified, have two options with who to be certified with. These are American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers or Cardiovascular Credentialing International. Which is the best option for you will depend on which state you will be practicing in. So checking your state's requirements are a must before entering the program. Becoming an ECG/EKG technician will prepare you for a career that is going to be a thriving field to enter for years to come.
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