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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Right Bundle Branch Block
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Right Bundle Branch Block
by Bob Fort, Oct 28, 1999 12:00AM
Recently, as a result of a possible abnormality on a treadmill stress test, my physician referred me to a cardiologist who performed a thallium treadmill test. Although the EKG indicated no ischemia or other problem, the cardiologist saw what he thought might be a small blockage. In view of family history, he felt it would be best for me to have a heart cath just to be sure. To make a long story short, I passed the cath with flying colors and my heart was found to be in excellent condition. I am 55, don't smoke, BP about 130/76, cholesterol about 175, HDL 77, and I exercise daily at 80-85% of my max rate.
For the past five years, a right bundle branch block has showed up on my EKG, but my doctor is not too concerned, especially in view of the just-completed cath test. What do you think? Also can you shed light on why the thallium test was a "false positive" and what the cardiologist might have seen to cause him some concern? Thanks for your response.
Bob Fort
For the past five years, a right bundle branch block has showed up on my EKG, but my doctor is not too concerned, especially in view of the just-completed cath test. What do you think? Also can you shed light on why the thallium test was a "false positive" and what the cardiologist might have seen to cause him some concern? Thanks for your response.
Bob Fort
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - DLB, Oct 28, 1999 12:00AM
I would believe the cath reuslts over the Thallium. Thallium tests many times indicate disease where there is none, and also sometimes do not pick up disease when it is in fact present. The reason for this is that the thallium test provides pictures that are not as sensitive as a catheterization. If the right bundle branch block was present before the catheterization and nothing else has changed, it sould require no further work-up.
WAS AT HOME SETTING WHEN THE PHONE RANG, WHEN HE GOT UP ON HIS FEET HE GOT A VERY BAD PAIN IN THIS CHEST AND HIS HEART WAS POUNDING. DOCTORS THOUGHT HE HAD BLOCKAGE THEY GAVE HIM A DRUG TO TO TREAT THAT BUT DID NOT HELP.HEART RATE WAS 230 BPM. HE WAS TAKE TO A BIGGER HOSPITAL AND WAS FOUND TO HAVE BRUGADA SYNDROME THEIR IS NOT ALOT KNOWN ABOUT THIS AND AFTER ALL YOUR FAMALY WAS CHECKED I WAS TO FOUND TO HAVE IT. LEFT BUNDEL BRANCH BLOCK SHOWED UP IN MY EKG'S AND ECHO EKG.NO ONE ELSE IN THE FAMALY HAS IT. MY BROTHER AND I NOW HAVE AN IMPLANTABLE DEFIBRILLATOR AND ARE DOING FINE...
If you know how serious it is.post a message for Lourdes