Identifying Congenital Heart Block in Primary Care.

• A common cause of congenital heart block is autoimmune in mothers with lupus. • Symptoms range in severity going from asymptomatic to syncope and cyanosis. • Congenital heart block may occur in a structurally normal heart. • Research focused on preventing fetal heart effects in pregnant women with lupus. Congenital heart block is a rare disease characterized by electrical conduction abnormalities of the heart in patients with both structural and without structural abnormalities. The most common cause of congenital heart block is autoimmune related, but other potential causes exist. Treatment for congenital heart block is determined by the severity of the disease and presenting symptoms. Primary care providers are in the optimal position to support patients and families. Although common causes and treatments of congenital heart block are known, much research is still to be done on the cause, optimal treatments, and potential long-term side effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]