CAUSE OF HEART BLOCK?

[Sarah Lum]

I am submitting this question to medical lists - not being a medically
versed person myself - in the hopes of ultimately finding an answer as to
what caused my heart block.

In August 1994, I experienced shortness of breath while climbing stairs,
(no pain) and after an EKG, I was diagnosed with full heart block. The
condition must have come on suddenly (during last 2-3 weeks) because I was
very active all summer, impossible if I had had the heart block. 

I am 30 years old and in good health (run and do aerobics regularly).
No family history for heart problems. 
Sonograms of my heart were normal.
Tests showed I did not have a heart attack, and there was no inflamation of
the heart. 
I received IV therapy (antibiotic) for Lyme Disease but then the tests for
for Lyme came in negative as did tests for Chaget's Disease, and Rhuematic
Fever.

I did spend a good deal of the summer in "Lyme watch" areas (Martha's
Vineyard, Block Island) but do not remember a bite, any rashes or arthritic
symptoms (or any other symptoms at all). 

I also spent some time in Costa Rica (Jan 94),  and in Tblisis, Georgia (ex
USSR) (Aug 94) directly before the problem became apparent.

My doctors were unable to find a cause, and I had a pacemaker implanted. I
still would very much like to follow up and research what may have caused
this,(virus, parasite?)  and whether it may lead to other complications.
Any and all information or leads very much appreciated. 

Thanks very much, 


Sarah Lum
Sarah_Lum at Brown.edu