Conduction Disorders: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Conduction Disorders?
A cardiologist, a heart doctor, usually treats conduction disorders. An electrophysiologist, a doctor who treats heart rhythm problems, may also help. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What are conduction disorders?
A conduction disorder, also known as heart block, is a problem with the electrical system that controls your heart's rate and rhythm. This system is called the cardiac conduction system. Normally, the signal that makes your heart beat travels from the top of your heart to the bottom.
The signal causes your heart muscle to beat and pump blood to your body. In conduction disorders, this signal is not made properly, does not travel the right way through the heart, or both.
There are many types of conduction disorders. They can happen at the SA node, the AV node, or the bundle branches.
- Sick sinus syndrome can cause a slow or fast heart rate.
- Atrioventricular (AV) block has three degrees, based on how serious it is.
- Bundle branch blocks happen when the electrical signals travel more slowly in one side of your heart than in the other.
First-degree heart block is the mildest type and third-degree is the most severe.
Symptoms
Many people who have conduction disorders may not have any symptoms. Symptoms may include:
- Slow or fast heart rate.
- Heart palpitations.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Fainting.
- Shortness of breath.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Gasping or trouble breathing during sleep.
First-degree heart block rarely has symptoms or causes problems.
Causes and who gets it
Some people have a conduction disorder at birth, while others develop it later in life. Sick sinus syndrome and bundle branch blocks are more common in older adults.
Complete heart block is more common in children born to mothers who have a connective tissue disorder. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome is more common in people whose family members have it.
Other medical conditions listed as causes include autoimmune diseases, muscular dystrophy, and sleep apnea. High or low electrolyte levels and problems with your thyroid hormone levels are also listed.
Some medicines for high blood pressure, arrhythmias, other heart conditions, and depression can raise your risk. Heart block can be a side effect of digitalis, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other medicines. A heart attack that damages the electrical system in the heart can also cause heart block. So can heart valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and cardiac sarcoidosis. Some infections, such as Lyme disease, and heart surgery can cause it too.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your medical history, your family's medical history, and your symptoms. They will perform a physical exam. They may order blood tests, genetic testing, and heart tests such as an EKG or a stress test.
Your provider may suggest you see a heart doctor, called a cardiologist, to check for heart block. You may need to wear a heart monitor for 24 to 48 hours or longer to check the electrical signals in your heart.
Treatment
Your treatment will depend on the type of conduction disorder you have and how serious it is. If you have very mild or no symptoms, you may not need any treatment.
- Medicines to make your heart beat faster or slower, depending on the problem with your heart.
- Surgery or implantable devices such as defibrillators or pacemakers.
If you have second- or third-degree heart block, you may need a pacemaker to help your heart beat regularly. A pacemaker is put inside the skin on your chest. It gives off electrical signals to make your heart beat at a regular rate and rhythm.
Heart block caused by a heart attack or heart surgery may go away as you recover. If a medicine is causing heart block, changing medicines can fix the problem. Do not stop or change the way you take any medicine unless your provider tells you to do so.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if you feel dizzy or weak. Contact your provider if you have signs of heart failure, such as swollen legs, ankles, or feet.
Third-degree heart block is an emergency that needs medical help right away. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if someone faints or has trouble breathing. Also call if someone has chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more. Call 9-1-1 right away if someone has symptoms of a stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Conduction disorders are often lifelong conditions that require continued care. Your provider may suggest you see a heart doctor, called a cardiologist, to check for or further evaluate heart block.
Common questions
Is heart block the same as a conduction disorder?
Yes, a conduction disorder is also known as heart block.
Do conduction disorders always cause symptoms?
No, many people who have conduction disorders may not have any symptoms.
Is first-degree heart block serious?
Usually not. First-degree heart block is the mildest type. It rarely has symptoms or causes problems.
Are conduction disorders lifelong?
Often, yes. Conduction disorders are often lifelong and need continued care.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
