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Heart Disease (Expert Forum)
Cardiomyopathy and LBBB
This forum is for questions and support regarding heart issues such as: Angina, Angioplasty, Arrhythmia, Bypass Surgery, Cardiomyopathy, Coronary Artery Disease, Defibrillator, Heart Attack, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, Mitral Valve, Pacemaker, PAD, Stenosis, Stress Tests
Cardiomyopathy and LBBB
by sophie, Nov 19, 2000 12:00AM
I was recently told I have dilated cardiomyopathy and left ventricle bundle branch block. I think I understand cardiomyopathy as best as a layman can, but I still confused about LBBB. My doctor said it could mask the signs of a heart attack on an EKG. What exactly is this and is it anything to be concerned about? What causes this condition? I appreciate any help you an give me in understanding my condition.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF CARDIO MD - CRC, Nov 19, 2000 12:00AM
Dear Kathleen,
LBBB stands for left bundle branch block and refers to an electrical abnormality. Think of the hearts conduction system as having two pathways or "bundles" of wires, each going to the right or left ventricle. If there is a conduction slowing or delay in one or the other pathways it shows up on the surface EKG as a bundle branch block. In your case the left bundle has some delay in it.
This is actually a common finding in cardiomyopathy and is probably due to the stretching of the heart muscle. A LBBB can mask the signs of a heart attack on the EKG but usually the doctors can still make the diagnosis from symptoms. The LBBB by itself is not cause for great concern. Of interest there are new experimental pacemakers call "biventricular pacemakers" which 'correct' LBBB and may improve cardiomyopathy. If you are interested in participating in a research study of biventricular pacing call 1-800-223-273 and ask for research nurse Jeanne Shewchik pager 22612.
LBBB stands for left bundle branch block and refers to an electrical abnormality. Think of the hearts conduction system as having two pathways or "bundles" of wires, each going to the right or left ventricle. If there is a conduction slowing or delay in one or the other pathways it shows up on the surface EKG as a bundle branch block. In your case the left bundle has some delay in it.
This is actually a common finding in cardiomyopathy and is probably due to the stretching of the heart muscle. A LBBB can mask the signs of a heart attack on the EKG but usually the doctors can still make the diagnosis from symptoms. The LBBB by itself is not cause for great concern. Of interest there are new experimental pacemakers call "biventricular pacemakers" which 'correct' LBBB and may improve cardiomyopathy. If you are interested in participating in a research study of biventricular pacing call 1-800-223-273 and ask for research nurse Jeanne Shewchik pager 22612.
