Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
BUNDLE BRANCH
BLOCK
About Your
Diagnosis
Bundle branch block is a delay of conduction of
electrical signals from the atrium. These signals go through branches of the
bundle of His (the electrical wiring of the heart). This bundle carries the
electrical signals that tell the ventricles to contract. The block can affect
either the left or the right side of the heart. It is generically referred to as
heart block. There are many different types of blocks of electrical
signals in the heart. The atria contract normally, but because the ventricles do
not receive the proper signal, they may not contract as often as they are
supposed to.
Living With Your
Diagnosis
Symptoms of heart block are
related to insufficient pumping of blood from the heart. If a block is mild, it
may produce no symptoms. Severe blocks can cause dizziness, fainting, angina
(chest pain), or stroke (not enough blood flow to the brain). Heart block is
relatively common. About one half of persons with heart block have no known
cause. Most of those with heart block have some form of heart disease. They may
have had damage to the heart from a heart attack (myocardial infarction),
myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle), or rheumatic fever (from
previous infection with streptococcal bacteria. Heart block also may be caused
by overdosing of digitalis (digoxin) or a congenital heart abnormality (one that
is present at birth). Heart block is detected with an electrocardiogram (ECG).
The patient usually has a slower than normal heart
rate.
Treatment
If
you have no symptoms and no heart disease, no treatment is required. If you have
symptoms because the ventricle not beating fast enough to meet blood demands, a
pacemaker may be inserted. A pacemaker is an electrical device with a wire
connected to the heart muscle to signal the ventricles to contract more
regularly (fixed-rate pacers) or to contract faster in response to increased
activity (demand pacers). Pacemakers are battery operated, and the batteries
have a long life. Pacemakers can be external with the wire entering through a
vein, or they can be implanted inside the patient with a minor operation. Older
pacemakers were susceptible to damage from microwaves and strong electronic
equipment. Newer pacemakers are safe and reliable. Caution remains to avoid
strong magnetic or ultrasonic forces such as those used in some physical therapy
settings or in airport security screens. Patients who need a pacemaker are given
instructions by a cardiologist regarding maintenance and care of the pacemaker.
Persons with bundle branch block or pacemakers may take medications to manage
the heart disease or other medical
conditions.
The
DOs
•If you are on medications,
take them as directed.
•Lower the fat
and cholesterol in your diet
•Lose
weight
•Stop
smoking.
•Exercise as directed by
your physician if you have a demand
pacer.
•Exercise as tolerated and
adopt a healthy-heart lifestyle if you have bundle branch block and no
symptoms.
The
DON’Ts
•Do not ignore
worsening symptoms.
When to Call
Your Doctor
•If you have
dizziness, fainting, chest pain, or shortness of breath.