Things To Know About Progressive Cardiac Conduction Defect And CPR Indianapolis

Progressive cardiac conduction defect, also known as PCCD is a rare genetic cardiac rhythm disease where the ticker’s electrical impulses are conducted very slowly. Over time it may progress to complete atrioventricular (AV) block. Fast, life-threatening rhythm disturbances may also occur due to PCCD from electrical impulses that originate from the wrong areas of the heart rather than the heart's natural pacemaker, the SA node (sino-atrial node). The changes, for some people with PCCD are caused by the action of sodium channels in the heart’s cells, similarly to those who suffer from Brugada Syndrome (a condition that causes a disruption of the heart's normal rhythm which can lead to irregular heartbeats in the heart’s lower chambers- ventricles).

PCCD Symptoms:

Unexplained dizziness and blackouts are the most common symptoms. In PCCD, there’s also a small risk of sudden death. Your ticker could stop if the heart rate becomes so slow that the ticker doesn’t pump enough blood over a period of time- this is a cardiac arrest and a life-threatening medical emergency.

Prompt action needs to be taken to ensure the survival of the victim. It’s imperative to call 911 and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if you or a family member has PCCD and suddenly collapses. CPR comprises chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application of the procedure helps to pump blood around the person’s body when their ticker can’t. If you are untrained in CPR, the 911 operator will be able to talk you through the process.

For training, make sure to select a certified training site, such as the AHA certified CPR Indianapolis where both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students.

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will conduct an ECG which should show any abnormalities in the heart’s rhythm. Your doctor may also ask you to have an ECG recording for a longer period such as a 24-hour ECG and you may also be referred to a specialist to have an electrophysiological (EP) study. You’ll be able to ask about genetic screening for yourself if a family member already has PCCD and a genetic mutation has been found.

Treatments Available:

You will need to have a pacemaker fitted to stop a dangerously slow heart rate (bradycardia) if you have PCCD. You may also be prescribed medicines to stop this from happening as your pacemaker may not prevent escape tachycardias, which is a type of fast heart rhythm. The doctor, for some people may suggest having a special type of ICD fitted which also acts as a pacemaker, and are designed to deliver a shock when your heart goes into a fast, life-threatening rhythm. The shock reverts the ticker back into a normal rhythm.

Living with PCCD:

If you have PCCD, there are very few things you need to change about the way you live:

1.      You cannot play contact sports if you have a pacemaker or ICD fitted.

2.      The type of work you do may get affected as well particularly if you work with magnetic or power tools.

3.      If you suffer from tachycardias, you may be told to restrict or avoid strenuous exercise.

Get trained in the life-saving CPR technique and efficiently handle out-of-hospital cardiac emergencies. At CPR Indianapolis, become AHA CPR certified at the end of training after successfully passing a skills test and written exam.