Atrioventricular block (heart signal blockage)

For benign AV block, the most direct evidence is exercise testing that identifies the MET level at which your symptoms begin. Records showing breathlessness, fatigue, angina, dizziness, arrhythmia, palpitations, or syncope during a stress test — and the workload at that point — tie directly to the rating thresholds. If exercise testing cannot be done for medical reasons, a medical examiner can estimate your functional capacity in METs based on specific activities, such as slow stair climbing.

For the 30% level, an echocardiogram, multigated acquisition scan, or magnetic resonance imaging confirming cardiac hypertrophy or dilatation can satisfy the criteria even without a MET finding. For the 10% level, records showing that you require continuous medication to control the condition are relevant. For non-benign AV block rated under DC 7018, evidence related to a pacemaker would apply instead. Statements from you or people who know you describing how symptoms affect your daily activities can help a medical examiner estimate your functional level.