I have questions regarding the symptoms of AV block. I am a 31 year old man, and a year ago I was diagnosed with 2nd degree AV block, mobitz type 1. I had no symptoms at the time, I was seeing the doctor about a concern that turned out to be benign. However, a few months ago I started to feel a bit dizzy/heavy headed occasionally. It was never brought on by anything in particular that I could tell, and it was not severe, sometimes barely perceptible, but it was sustained, for hours or days. However, it has recently gotten worse. First just gradually worse, then about a week ago I got more severe dizziness than before. The dizziness currently lasts all day. Sometimes I don't notice it until I stand up and walk around. Sometimes it's not that bad, but I always feel a bit off. It's not so bad that I am going to fall over. And, I never have to stop what I'm doing to rest. It doesn't impact my daily life at all, but it's there and makes me feel lazy and lethargic. I haven't fainted, or even come close to fainting. I'm a little short of breath but nothing too severe.

I saw a cardiologist but he said I need to wait until I get the results of the 24-hour holter monitor test to know what's wrong. I've got to wait 3 weeks to get the test done. He checked my heart at the office, while I was experiencing dizziness, and said my heart seemed to be beating normally.

I am physically active, I exercise several times a week. I drink, sometimes too much and I am not a very healthy eater. So I am a bit overweight (6'2', 220lbs, 36-38 inch waist). If I get a hangover, I usually can't sleep the night after drinking because my heart is pounding. I also get heart pounding with indigestion. 24-holter determined this pounding was not a cause for concern.

My blood pressure is usually around 75-85/135-145. I sometimes deal with a bit of anxiety, nothing too severe. I have been checking my heart rate a lot in the last week/10 days and it is always at least 60 beats per minute at rest. (60-80).

My questions are about the symptoms of AV Block. Whether it tends to be sustained dizziness, occasional dizziness, what makes it worse? I can run, climb stairs quickly, walk quickly, and it doesn't make the dizziness any better or worse. The dizziness level I'm currently experiencing is always the same unless I'm sitting or laying down, and then I don't notice it that much. Is it possible my dizziness could be caused by something else? If I am experiencing AV block, is it possible for a doctor or nurse (or even me?) to be able to tell by listening to my heart or checking my pulse? I was under the impression that AV block meant skipped beats and/or slow heart rate, and that is what causes the dizziness. Is this true?

I would also like some advice on what questions to ask my cardiologist, on what to ask for in terms of tests and treatment.

Thank you