Bundle branch block
Bundle branch block (pronounced: /ˈbʌndəl bræntʃ blɒk/) is a condition in which there's a delay or obstruction along the pathway that electrical impulses travel to make your heart beat. The delay or blockage occurs on the pathway that sends electrical impulses to the left or right side of your heart.
Etymology
The term "Bundle branch block" is derived from the anatomical structure of the heart. The bundle of His, named after the Swiss cardiologist Wilhelm His Jr., is a collection of heart muscle cells specialized for electrical conduction that transmits the electrical impulses from the AV node (located between the atria and the ventricles) to the point of the apex of the fascicular branches. The term "block" refers to the interruption of the normal conduction pathway.
Types of Bundle Branch Block
There are two types of bundle branch block:
- Right bundle branch block (RBBB): This occurs when the electrical signal is delayed or blocked along the pathway to the right ventricle.
- Left bundle branch block (LBBB): This occurs when the electrical signal is delayed or blocked along the pathway to the left ventricle.
Symptoms
In many cases, bundle branch block doesn't cause noticeable symptoms. Some people with the condition don't know they have it until it's discovered during a routine electrocardiogram (ECG). When symptoms do occur, they often are a sign of an underlying heart condition such as heart disease or heart failure.
Causes
Bundle branch block is often associated with other heart problems, such as certain forms of heart disease or cardiomyopathy. It can also occur as a result of a heart attack or aging.
Treatment
Treatment isn't necessary if there are no other underlying heart conditions and no symptoms. If bundle branch block is associated with other heart problems, treatment will focus on the underlying condition.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bundle branch block
- Wikipedia's article - Bundle branch block
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