Causes and risk factors
Bundle branch is one of the areas in electrical pathway of heart. It is divided into right and left branches. The blockages in each are called as right bundle branch block [RBBB] and left bundle branch block [LBBB]. The causes of LBBB include underlying heart disease such as hypertension, congestive cardiac failure, and cardiomyopathy. Causes of are RBBB congenital heart disease, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, scar after heart surgery, pulmonary embolism, and hypertension.
Clinical presentation
Patient with BBB is usually asymptomatic. Some people show symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, fainting, slow heart rate [bradycardia]. Some may complain of light-headedness, anxiety, tiring during exercise, fatigue. Patient may experience chest pain, tightness of chest, shortness of breath.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and Clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. An ECG is recommended. Routine blood tests, blood tests for electrolyte levels like potassium, is advised. Holter monitoring can be done [24 hours monitoring of electrical activity of heart]. Imaging studies such as chest X ray, echocardiogram is useful. Electrophysiological testing may be useful in the diagnosis of the condition.
Treatment
No treatment is required for asymptomatic patients. Regularising heart beat by methods such as vagal manoeuvre [putting ice pack on face, bearing down as if defecating or coughing] is required. Medications like anti arrhythmic drugs may be required to correct increased heart rate. When above treatment is not helpful, cardioversion is applied i.e. electric current is administered in the heart which restores normal heart rhythm. Surgical treatment such as artificial pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator will help in treating BBB.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating bundle branch block. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly the ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates are also found to be effective in treating bundle branch block.
