Symptoms of a Left Bundle Branch Block
People are not often thought of as electrical devices, yet our hearts produce electrical patterns that give doctors insights into our cardiovascular health. One example is a condition known as "bundle branch block." Imagine the heart's electrical output traveling on a road. Now imagine the electricity hitting a pothole. Bundle branch block is like that pothole. Just as a pothole is an indicator that the road may need repair, a branch block is a sign of a more serious problem.
Left Versus Right
Bundle branch block comes in two varieties, based on the location of the signal blockage. Left bundle branch block is considered more serious than right bundle branch block, and there's also a greater likelihood that someone with left bundle branch block will experience symptoms. However, people with left bundle branch block may exhibit few to no symptoms. Often the presence of perceptible symptoms indicates a more serious heart condition.
- Bundle branch block comes in two varieties, based on the location of the signal blockage.
- Left bundle branch block is considered more serious than right bundle branch block, and there's also a greater likelihood that someone with left bundle branch block will experience symptoms.
Vague Symptoms
A Sudden Ringing in the Ears
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Left bundle branch block is characterized by a couple of vague symptoms that could result from many conditions, including anxiety. One such symptom is dizziness, and the other is the fainting sensation of presyncope. While many other conditions can have the same symptoms, chronic bouts of dizziness and lightheadedness warrant a doctor's visit.
- Left bundle branch block is characterized by a couple of vague symptoms that could result from many conditions, including anxiety.
- One such symptom is dizziness, and the other is the fainting sensation of presyncope.
Acute Symptoms
People with left bundle branch block may suffer from a slower heart rate (brachycardia). In addition, bouts of fainting are common.
Diagnosis
High Heart Rate & Low Heart Pressure
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An electrocardiogram (EKG) gives your doctor a readout of your heart's electrical output. From that readout, certain patterns emerge. Bundle branch blocks appear as variations from the normal EKG wavelength pattern. Based on where the variations occur, a trained doctor can distinguish the location of the bundle branch block, left or right.
- An electrocardiogram (EKG) gives your doctor a readout of your heart's electrical output.
- Based on where the variations occur, a trained doctor can distinguish the location of the bundle branch block, left or right.
Treatment
On its own, left bundle branch block doesn't require any treatment. However, since its presence is an indicator of a more serious condition, you'll need treatment based on that condition. Special pacemakers are installed if someone requiring a pacemaker also shows signs of bundle branch block. If the branch block is associated with blood pressure complications, you may need to take blood pressure medicine. Overall, left bundle branch block should be treated as a warning. Make sure your cardiologist gives you a thorough examination and determines what condition is causing your bundle branch block.
- On its own, left bundle branch block doesn't require any treatment.
- If the branch block is associated with blood pressure complications, you may need to take blood pressure medicine.
Related Articles
References
- Surawicz B, Childers R, Deal BJ, et al. AHA/ACCF/HRS recommendations for the standardization and interpretation of the electrocardiogram: part III: intraventricular conduction disturbances: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association Electrocardiography and Arrhythmias Committee, Council on Clinical Cardiology; the American College of Cardiology Foundation; and the Heart Rhythm Society. Endorsed by the International Society for Computerized Electrocardiology. J Am Coll Cardiol 2009; 53:976. DOI:10.1016/j.jacc.2008.12.013
- Alings M, Wilde A. "Brugada" syndrome: clinical data and suggested pathophysiological mechanism. Circulation 1999; 99:666. DOI:10.1161/01.cir.99.5.666
- Badheka AO, Singh V, Patel NJ, et al. QRS Duration on Electrocardiography and Cardiovascular Mortality (from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey-III). Am J Cardiol 2013; 112:671.
- Barsheshet A, Goldenberg I, Garty M, et al. Relation of Bundle Branch Block to Long-term (Four-year) Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With Systolic Feart failure. Am J Cardiol 2011; 107:540.
- Bussink BE, Holst AG, Jespersen L, et al. Right bundle Branch Block: Prevalence, Fisk factors, and Outcome in the General Population: Results From the Copenhagen City Heart Study. Eur Heart J 2013; 34:138.
- Zhang ZM, Rautaharju PM, Soliman EZ, et al. Mortality Risk Associated With Bundle Branch Blocks and Related Repolarization Abnormalities (From the Women's Health Initiative WHI). Am J Cardiol 2012; 110:1489.
Writer Bio
Alexander Grouch is a freelance screenwriter, journalist and children's book author. He currently writes music reviews for "The Red Alert." Grouch has visited all 48 contiguous states and plans to document his journeys in a travelogue. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Africana studies from Brown University.