Bundle branch block
Bundle branch blockArticle Sections
DefinitionBundle branch block is a condition in which there's a delay or obstruction along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make your heart beat. The blockage may occur on the pathway that sends electrical impulses to the left or the right side of your heart. Bundle branch block can occur in people who appear healthy, but it may be a sign of another underlying heart problem. Bundle branch block sometimes makes it harder for your heart to pump blood forcefully and efficiently through your circulatory system. Although bundle branch block itself often requires no direct treatment, you'll need treatment of any underlying health condition that could cause bundle branch block, such as heart disease. Bundle branch blockElectrical impulses that cause your heart to beat (contract) originate in the upper right chamber (right atrium) of the heart and travel to the lower chambers (ventricles). In bundle branch block, ...  SymptomsIn most people, bundle branch block doesn't cause any symptoms. Sometimes, even people who are born with the condition can have a bundle branch block for years without knowing it. For those people who do have signs and symptoms, they may include:
When to see a doctor If you have heart disease, or if your doctor has already diagnosed you as having bundle branch block, ask your doctor how often you should have follow-up visits. You might want to carry a medical alert card that identifies you as having bundle branch block in case you're seen in an emergency by a doctor who isn't familiar with your medical history. CausesNormally, electrical impulses within your heart's muscle signal it to beat (contract). These impulses travel along a pathway, including a slender cluster of cardiac fibers called the bundle of His. This bundle divides into two branches — the right and the left bundles — one for each of your heart's two lower chambers (ventricles). If one or both of these branch bundles become damaged — due to a heart attack, for example — this change can prevent your heart from beating normally. The heart's electrical impulses that make your heart beat may be slowed down or blocked. When this occurs, your heart's ventricles no longer contract in perfect coordination with one another. The underlying cause for bundle branch blocks may differ depending on whether the right or left bundle branch is affected. Causes may include: Left bundle branch block
Right bundle branch block
Bundle branch blockElectrical impulses that cause your heart to beat (contract) originate in the upper right chamber (right atrium) of the heart and travel to the lower chambers (ventricles). In bundle branch block, ... ComplicationsThe complications of bundle branch block are similar whether the blockage is on the right or left side of your heart. Complications may include:
People who have a heart attack and develop a bundle branch block have a higher chance of complications and death than do people who have heart attacks and don't develop a bundle branch block. In addition, because bundle branch block affects the electrical activity of your heart, it can sometimes complicate the accurate diagnosis of other heart conditions, especially heart attacks, and lead to delays in proper management of those problems. Preparing for your appointmentYou're likely to start by first seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. However, you may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in heart disorders (cardiologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor. What you can do
Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For bundle branch block, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions during your appointment at any time that you don't understand something.
What to expect from your doctor
Tests and diagnosis
Electrocardiogram It's also possible your doctor will discover you have a bundle branch block incidentally — meaning the condition could be found while you're having an ECG to diagnose another heart condition.
Echocardiogram Treatments and drugsThere's no specific treatment for many cases of bundle branch block. Most people with bundle branch block are symptom-free and don't need treatment. However, if you have an underlying heart condition causing bundle branch block, treatment of the underlying condition is recommended. Treatment of underlying conditions may involve using medications to reduce high blood pressure or lessen the effects of heart failure, or the use of a coronary angioplasty to open up the artery leading to your heart. And, if you have signs or symptoms, such as fainting, your doctor may recommend an artificial pacemaker to keep your heartbeat regular.
Medication
Coronary angioplasty and stenting
Artificial pacemakers Internal pacemakers are placed near your collarbone during surgery performed using local anesthesia. The pacemaker provides electrical pulses that keep your heart beating regularly. These devices have sensors that can detect when your heart needs a signal from the pacemaker to normalize your heart rate. If you need a pacemaker, your doctor can explain any precautions you need to take in order to keep the device working properly and to reduce risks associated with their use. PreventionTo reduce your risk of heart-related problems that can lead to or worsen bundle branch block, you can:
Last Updated: 2010-03-13 © 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "Mayo Clinic Health Information," "Reliable information for a healthier life" and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
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