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A bundle branch block, (or BBB,) is a common problem with the heart. Indeed, it often isn't really much of a problem! The heart is composed of special muscle tissue that is sensitive to electricity. There are four chambers of the heart that the blood moves through. Since blood follows the same path through the heart, and it takes time for blood to move from one chamber to another, the electrical signal that triggers the heart to contract needs to follow a specific route so the right tissue can contract at the right time. Very basically, it works like this:

1) An electrical impulse is generated at the sino-atrial (SA) node, which is near the top of the heart. This causes the top chambers (the atria) to contract, pushing blood down into the bottom chambers (the ventricals.)

2) The impulse moves downward from the SA node to the atrioventricular (AV) node, which sends the impulse further down to prompt ventricular contraction.

3) From the AV node, the current runs into the Bundle of His (h-i-s-s), which splits into two halves - the right bundle and (wait for it...) the left bundle.

4) Both bundles carry the impulse to the terminus of the conduction pathway, the perkinjie (per-kin-gee) fibers. A bundle branch block occurs when there is impedence in the conduction of the impulse. That is, the electric impulse is slowed or stopped. Because heart tissue can make and conduct its own electrical impulse, a blockage is usually compensated for by literally rerouting the impulse through the heart tiisue itself. A slowing of the signal may make an EKG look different, but it's usually not that big of a deal.

Keep in mind that this is a very basic description of how the heart's electrical conduction works. More can be found on the web pretty easily.

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17y ago

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Related Questions

What causes right bundle branch block?

Right bundle branch block happens less often from underlying heart disease.


What group of heart problems does the bundle branch block belong to?

Bundle branch block belongs to a group of heart problems called intraventricular conduction defects (IVCD).


What does right bundle branch block mean?

An incomplete right bundle branch block is an interruption in the heart's electrical conduction system. Incomplete means it has not completely failed.


What is left branch bundle block and what is the treatment for it?

Left bundle branch block is a delay or blockage in the electrical impulse conduction through the left bundle branch of the heart. Treatment for left bundle branch block depends on the underlying cause, such as heart disease or high blood pressure. It may include managing risk factors, such as controlling blood pressure, addressing heart disease, or considering a pacemaker in some cases.


What is a BBB in the heart?

This si known as a Bundle Branch Block - and refers to an anomaly of a blockage in the nerve system of the heart at the bundle branches.


Is right bundle branch block reversible?

It depends on what has caused the bundle branch block. Some healthy people will exhibit a bundle branch block (usually right sided) when their heart beats very fast. This is caused by a rate related delay in the bundle branch on that side, wherein the cells of the conduction system do not repolarize fast enough to propagate the electrical activity. If the block is caused by damage to the conduction tissue, then the bundle branch block will most likely be permanent.


What is a left side bubble block mean in my heart?

You probably misheard bundle as bubble. Like me, you have left bundle branch block. Google that for more info.


What advice would you give to someone who has a left bundle block?

Left bundle branch block affects the heart's electrical conduction system. When you have left bundle branch block, the left branch of this conducting system is partially or completely blocked. This causes the left ventricle to contract a little later than it should.


What are three conditions in which a bundle branch block would appear on the ECG?

Congestive heart failure heart attack and heart failure of other origin


Can left bundle branch block reverse itself?

Left bundle branch block can sometimes be reversible if it is caused by conditions such as electrolyte imbalances, medication side effects, or acute myocardial infarction. However, if left bundle branch block is due to underlying heart disease or other structural abnormalities, it may not be reversible but can be managed with appropriate medical intervention.


What does a complete left bundle branch block mean?

A complete left bundle branch block (LBBB) occurs when there is a blockage in the electrical pathway (bundle branch) that carries signals to the left side of the heart. This can cause a delay in the electrical signals reaching the left ventricle, leading to changes in the appearance of the ECG waveforms. It may indicate an underlying heart condition and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.


What treatment is available for bundle branch block?

There is no specific therapy for BBB. Patients are usually treated for associated heart diseases.