Complete Heart Block

Complete heart block occurs when the electrical signal can't pass normally from the atria, the heart's upper chambers, to the ventricles, or lower chambers. If the atrioventricular (AV) node is damaged during surgery, complete heart block may result. Sometimes complete heart block occurs spontaneously without surgery. An artificial pacemaker can restore a normal heart rate and rhythm.

Our Approach to Complete Heart Block

Over the past decades, UCSF has helped pioneer breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of arrhythmias, or heart rhythm disorders, such as complete heart block. We offer comprehensive evaluations to pinpoint the source of the arrhythmia, as well as the most innovative treatments available. In patients with complete heart block, an implanted pacemaker can restore the heart to a normal rhythm. UCSF offers expert care before, during and after implantation of the pacemaker.

While providing specialized, tailored care is our primary focus, we are also dedicated to finding new treatments through research. Patients who choose to participate in clinical trials may have access to experimental therapies, devices or medications that might work better for them than the established options.