In order for your heart to beat properly, your heart’s tissue conducts electrical impulses throughout your heart muscle in a regular pattern. Show
This electrical impulse causes the upper chambers (atria) of your heart to contract first, and the two lower chambers (ventricles) to contract right afterwards. If any part of this electrical pathway is obstructed, it’s known as a bundle branch block. When this happens, the electric impulse moves slower to reach its endpoint. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently throughout your body. With left bundle branch block there is a delay or obstruction along the electrical pathway to your heart’s left ventricle. This is the lower-left portion of your heart. If the electrical impulse is delayed along the pathway to your heart’s right ventricle, it’s known as right bundle branch block. Left bundle branch block often doesn’t cause any symptoms. In fact, some people have it for years and never know they have the condition. For others, however, a delay in the arrival of electrical impulses to the heart’s left ventricle can cause syncope (fainting), due to unusual heart rhythms that affect blood pressure. Some people might also experience something called presyncope. This involves feeling like you’re about to faint, but never actually fainting. Other symptoms can include fatigue and shortness of breath. Left bundle branch block can be caused by several different heart conditions. For example, a heart attack can damage your heart tissue, making it harder for your heart to conduct electrical impulses. This can result in bundle branch block at either the right or left ventricle. A new left bundle branch block should warrant work-up for a prior heart attack. Other conditions that can cause a left bundle branch block include: Sometimes, however, left bundle branch block can happen without any underlying heart condition. It’s not known why this happens, but it’s most often seen in older adults. Doctors usually diagnose left bundle branch block by using the following tests:
Left bundle branch block doesn’t always require treatment, especially if you don’t have any underlying heart conditions. If you do have another heart condition, your doctor might suggest treating the underlying cause or no treatment at all if you’re stable. If you have left bundle branch block due to electrical problems with your conduction system, for example, you may need a pacemaker. This is a device that emits electricity to help your heart maintain a consistent rhythm. If you have high blood pressure, you may need to take medication to keep it under control. This will also help reduce the strain on your heart. While treating the underlying condition might not completely get rid of left bundle branch block, it can lessen the risk of complications, such as progressive disease. While anyone can develop left bundle branch block, some people have a higher risk due to other conditions that affect their heart or lungs. Conditions that can increase your risk of bundle branch block on either the left or right side include: If you have any of these conditions, your doctor may regularly monitor your heart rhythm to detect any signs of bundle branch block. A disrupted electrical signal in your heart can cause the following complications:
Sometimes, a bundle branch block can make it harder for doctors to diagnose other heart conditions, such as heart failure or enlargement. If you’ve been diagnosed with left bundle branch block, make sure to tell any other doctors you see that you have this condition. If you have left bundle branch block, it’s important that you have regular medical checkups, so your doctor can monitor your heart health and prescribe treatment if it becomes more serious. For the best outcomes it’s vital to follow your doctor’s instructions and to get the follow-up care you need. Left bundle branch block is a condition in which there’s a slowing along the electrical pathway to your heart’s left ventricle. When this happens, the electric impulse has to travel further to reach its endpoint. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood efficiently. Left bundle branch block can be caused by many heart conditions, and it’s typically diagnosed with an electrocardiogram or an echocardiogram. Depending on the severity of your left bundle branch block, your doctor may recommend a pacemaker or medications to help treat the underlying condition that could be causing a problem with the electrical pathway in your heart.
Bundle branch block (BBB) is a block or disruption to the electrical impulse that contracts your heart’s lower chambers. BBB causes an irregular heartbeat. BBB often has no symptoms. Many people don’t need treatment unless they have underlying heart conditions. Treatments include medications for other health issues or insertion of a pacemaker.
 A bundle branch block (BBB) is when something blocks or disrupts the electrical signal that causes your heart to beat. This block leads to an abnormal heart rhythm. Your heart’s tissue sends electrical impulses that travel through pathways called bundle branches. These impulses normally travel through the bottom chambers of your heart (ventricles). Your heart’s two ventricles usually contract at the same time. But a bundle branch block delays the electrical signal, therefore, the ventricle that receives the delayed signal will contract at a later time. Healthcare providers don’t always treat bundle branch blocks. But they may treat the underlying health problems that cause the block. What are the types of bundle branch blocks?There are two types of bundle branch blocks:
You can have a disruption in one bundle or in both your left bundle and your right bundle at the same time. Who might have a bundle branch block?Anyone can have a bundle branch block. The risk of both right bundle branch block and left bundle branch block increases with age and other health conditions, such as heart disease. How common is a bundle branch block?
How does a bundle branch block affect my body?Bundle branches form part of your heart conduction system, which controls your heartbeat. A block affects your body based on where it’s located:
Healthcare providers diagnose BBB with two main tests:
If your provider diagnoses you with BBB, they will check you for related health conditions. They may recommend the following tests:
If you don’t have symptoms or underlying conditions, you may not need treatment for bundle branch block. You may need medication to control other issues such as high blood pressure or heart failure symptoms. If you have symptoms such as fainting, your provider may suggest a pacemaker. A cardiac electrophysiologist (a subspecialized cardiologist, specifically trained to manage abnormal heart rhythms) places this device under the skin of your chest. Wires connected to your heart help it beat at a steady rate. If you have heart failure or dilated cardiomyopathy, your provider may recommend cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) using a biventricular pacemaker. This type of pacemaker helps both of your ventricles contract at the same time. CRT can help lessen symptoms such as shortness of breath.
You can lower your risk of BBB and other heart problems by staying healthy and making smart choices. These include: Are there other conditions that put me at higher risk?You’re at higher risk of death if you have a bundle branch block along with:
Chest pain along with a new left bundle branch block may indicate a serious underlying health condition, such as a heart attack.
You will have a bundle branch block for the rest of your life. The block may either stay the same or worsen over time. How might a bundle branch block affect my work?A left bundle branch block may be the first sign of a complete heart block. So, the U.S. and U.K. restrict pilots with LBBB from flying an airplane. Otherwise, having a bundle branch block usually won’t affect your work, unless you have severe symptoms. What is the outlook if I have a bundle branch block?If you have no underlying conditions, bundle branch block may not affect your overall health or life span. If you have other conditions that affect your heart, BBB may make your heart deteriorate faster and worsen your symptoms.
If you see a new healthcare provider, always tell them that you have a bundle branch block. This information will help them better monitor your heart health and overall wellness. Make sure your provider knows about your BBB diagnosis if you have:
You may want to carry a copy of your EKG, so you have it handy if an emergency happens. When should I see my healthcare provider?See your provider if you have any new symptoms or your symptoms get worse. Seek medical treatment immediately if you have:
A note from Cleveland Clinic A bundle branch block (BBB) is a blockage or disruption to the electrical signal that causes your heart to beat. BBB can affect your right ventricle (right bundle branch block), left ventricle (left bundle branch block) or both ventricles. Many times, bundle branch blocks don’t cause any symptoms, though they sometimes lead to dizziness or fainting. Providers usually diagnose BBB with an EKG or echocardiogram. You may not need treatment for BBB, though you’ll need to treat any underlying conditions. Most people with a bundle branch block can lead full lives, though their risk of death may increase if they have other heart problems.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/05/2022. References
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy |
Which would be indicated for placement in a patient with heart failure and left bundle branch block?
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