But when there's a "block" in one of the branches, electrical signals have to take a different path through the ventricle. They are not considered to be irregular heartbeats or arrhythmias. The heart does not receive adequate electrical impulses, which can result in an irregular heartbeat. It can be a sign of underlying heart disease or a normal part of aging. Bundle branch block is usually caused by a preexisting heart disease or a heart attack, but it can also result from hypertension or a congenital heart defect. It usually doesn't cause symptoms unless you have some other heart condition. The very wide QRS for an RBBB in this case also indicates more extensive myocardial damage. What is incomplete right bundle branch block? How serious is a "right bundle branch block" and "left anterior fascicular block" for a 70-year old active woman who has been involved with aerobic and strength training classes for at least 30 years? Much of the time, bundle branch block is not serious. This can cause serious symptoms such as a very slow heart rate, fainting, and chest pain. The sinoatrial node sends impulses along a bundle that splits into right bundle branch and left bundle branch. The heart's conduction system The heart has four chambers: Two upper, called atria Two lower, called ventricles If your cardiologist (a heart doctor) spots RBBB through a test called an electrocardiogram ( EKG ), they may look for underlying heart or . Right bundle branch block - can happen naturally in people with no heart disease, but can also be caused by an underlying heart condition. In left bundle branch block, the left bundle branch does not work properly causing the left lower heart chamber . The left ventricle, however, is still normally activated by the left bundle branch. The key issue isn't whether a bundle branch block is bad for you, but why you have it. However, right bundle branch block indicates a higher risk for heart disease and, sometimes, the eventual need for a pacemaker. A bundle branch block (BBB) is a block of the right or the left bundle branches that propagate depolarizations from the Sino-Atrial node to and through the ventricles. It is an indication of severe and diffuse conduction system disease and usually indicates poor prognosis. Bundle branch blocks: These happen when the electrical signals travel more slowly in one side of your heart than in the . Masquerading bundle branch block is a rare but important finding on the Electrocardiogram (ECG). Possible symptoms include shortness of breath, lagging energy, and fainting. Sometimes, there is no known cause. For this reason, anyone who is discovered to have left bundle branch block on their ECG should have a cardiac evaluation. This skewing of one ventricle taking longer than the other widens the QRS . A block in the right bundle branch can occur in people who otherwise seem normal. The 2 lower chambers are called ventricles. Incomplete right bundle branch block was found in 134 men (6.8%) at entry. Right bundle branch block is a problem with your right bundle branch that keeps your heart's electrical signal from moving at the same time as the left bundle branch. Is this serious? If it happens with a heart attack, it can be a sign of serious heart muscle damage. A patient with bundle branch block may be worried that it will eventually cause the heart to stop completely. Knowing how the electrical system in the heart works is essential to understanding what a bundle branch block is and how it affects the heart's ability to pump effectively. If the QRS complex is deflected down side then it may indicate the presence of left bundle branch block; while in case of upward deflection, right side bundle branch block is diagnosed. 1 The prevalence of RBBB has been reported to be in the range of 0.2% to 1.3%. Right bundle branch block is more common than left bundle branch block and appears to be less serious. If a bundle branch block is causing symptoms, then the problem may be severe enough to require a pacemaker. If a bundle branch block is causing symptoms, then the problem may be severe enough to require a pacemaker. When this happens, the electric impulse has to travel further to . There are some very rare genetic conditions where people tend to develop disturbance with the heart's electrical conduction system, but the most common cause of the bundle branch block is age-related. If it happens with a heart attack, it can be a sign of serious heart muscle damage. No heart attacks or symptoms. (Note that the right bundle branch does not divide into discrete fascicles.) You may not need treatment, as your heart may be in a good state despite the bundle branch block. Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without . Fortunately, the condition does not work that way, and it very rarely gets worse. Bundle branch block can occur in people who appear healthy, and it's often a sign of another underlying heart problem. Research health conditions Check your symptoms Causes can include: A block in the left bundle branch is usually a sign of heart disease. Left bundle branch block is a problem in the heart's electrical system. It doesn't usually occur in young . If it happens with a heart attack, it can be a sign of serious heart muscle damage. Currently taking 10 mg. Lisinipril or blood pressure and 20 mg. Simvastatin for cholesteral plus various vitamins . Symptoms include chest discomfort with or without . If a bundle branch block is causing symptoms, then the problem may be severe enough to require a . A block in the right bundle branch can occur in people who otherwise seem normal. Bundle 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. Additionally, is a right bundle branch block serious? Although, RBBB can indicate affection of the right side of the heart through cor pulmonale, myocardial ischaemia/infarction, pulmonary embolism, myocarditis, or congenital heart disease. An electrocardiographic study of the families of two children with isolated complete right bundle-branch block is presented. ECG . They are called bundle branches and they connect the top and bottom chambers of the heart. Right bundle branch block. A bundle branch block itself doesn't need any treatment but if there is an underlying heart condition, you may need treatment for that condition. Bundle branch block is a type of conduction block involving partial or complete interruption of the flow of electrical impulses through the right or left bundle branches. Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block. Incomplete right bundle branch block can also occur without any other significant heart defect. Several cases of classical complete right bundle-branch block were disclosed (17/69 and 3/22 respectively) in three generations of the two families. A simple way to check would be to get a 12 lead EKG. If your doctors are telling you it's okay, I would trust them.