Bundle branch blocks in an ECG

Extract

• Left and right bundle branch block (LBBB and RBBB) may be present in the absence of significant heart disease. In middle aged and older patients an underlying cardiac pathology is, however, often present.
• LBBB is more commonly associated with heart disease than RBBB.
• If a patient with a newly diagnosed bundle branch block is asymptomatic, has no signs suggestive of heart disease and echocardiographic findings are normal it may be concluded that no cardiac pathology is present. Nevertheless, the continuing monitoring of these factors is important.
• RBBB without a cardiac disease does not affect prognosis, but LBBB is associated with increased cardiac morbidity and mortality.
• The significance of left anterior hemiblock (LAHB) is slight as far as prognosis is concerned.
• A peripheral conduction disturbance is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death and the development of cardiac failure.
• Bifascicular and trifascicular block, even if asymptomatic, are an indication for follow-up observation with clinical check-ups and ECG recordings.

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Ambulatory Electrocardiography, Bundle-Branch Block, Cardiology, Clinical physiology, Electrocardiography, Heart Conduction System, I44.4, I44.5, I44.7, I45.0, I45.1, I45.2, I45.3, I45.5, Internal medicine, LBBB, R94.3, RBBB, bifascicular block, complete atrioventricular block, incomplete LBBB, incomplete RBBB, left anterior fascicular block, left bundle branch block, left posterior fascicular block, partial bundle branch block, prolonged PQ interval, right bundle branch block, trifascicular block, ventricular conduction abnormality