What can happen if heart rate is slow during Mobitz type 2 block?

• A. Cardiac output will decrease
• B. Blood pressure will significantly increase
• C. Pulse will become bounding
• D. No change in cardiac output

Answer: (A)

When evaluating the effects of a slow heart rate during Mobitz type II block, it's important to understand how this condition impacts cardiac output. Mobitz type II is characterized by a consistent pattern of dropped beats, which can lead to significant pauses in heart rhythm. If the heart rate slows down, the time between heartbeats increases, and consequently, the heart has less frequent contractions and thus pumps less blood per minute.

A decreased heart rate means there are fewer beats in a given time frame, which directly correlates with reduced cardiac output, as the heart might not be able to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This reduction can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or even fainting, as the organs are not receiving adequate blood flow.

In contrast, a significant increase in blood pressure or bounding pulses would indicate a reactive or compensatory mechanism that is not typically observed in the context of Mobitz type II with a slow heart rate. Instead, the body's response to a decreased cardiac output is often a decline in blood pressure and weaker pulses, highlighting the association between slowed heart rate and lowered cardiac efficiency.