Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
12:45

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing

Published on: December 11, 2017

Hemodynamic implications of left bundle branch block

L Littmann1, J D Symanski

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and the Sanger Clinic, P.A., Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA. LLittmann@carolinas.org

Journal of Electrocardiology
|March 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) significantly impacts heart function, causing hemodynamic changes and ventricular remodeling. Research explores LBBB

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is traditionally an electrophysiologic finding.
  • LBBB is increasingly recognized for its significant hemodynamic effects and role in ventricular remodeling.
  • LBBB is associated with impaired systolic and diastolic function, particularly in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the hemodynamic effects of LBBB.
  • To investigate the relationship between LBBB and ventricular remodeling, myocardial ischemia, and asynergy.
  • To examine the impact of LBBB on patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and potential benefits of interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on LBBB and its hemodynamic consequences.
  • Analysis of exercise nuclear studies showing perfusion defects in LBBB patients.
  • Observational comparison of DCM patients with and without LBBB.

Main Results:

  • LBBB causes asynchronous myocardial activation, potentially leading to ventricular remodeling.
  • Reversible perfusion defects and angina can occur in LBBB patients, possibly due to asynergy.
  • DCM patients with LBBB exhibit progressive LV dilatation, mitral regurgitation, and poorer outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • LBBB has profound hemodynamic effects beyond its electrophysiologic definition.
  • The interplay between LBBB, ischemia, and ventricular dysfunction requires further elucidation.
  • Interventions aimed at normalizing ventricular activation sequences, such as pacing, show promise for DCM patients with LBBB.

More Related Videos

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice08:21

Biventricular Assessment of Cardiac Function and Pressure-Volume Loops by Closed-Chest Catheterization in Mice

Published on: June 15, 2020

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction09:20

Lumped-Parameter and Finite Element Modeling of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction

Published on: February 13, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm01:29

Disturbances in Heart Rhythm

Arrhythmia or dysrhythmia refers to an abnormal heart rhythm caused by a defect in the heart's conduction system. It can cause the heart to beat irregularly, too quickly, or too slowly, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fainting. Factors such as stress, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, certain drugs, congenital defects, diseases, and electrolyte abnormalities can trigger arrhythmias.
Arrhythmias are categorized by their speed, rhythm, and origin. A slow heart...
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization01:24

Cardiac Catheterization III: Left Heart Catheterization

Left heart catheterization is an invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the function and structure of the left side of the heart. It is generally performed to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions such as valve abnormalities, coronary artery disease, and congenital heart defects.Diagnostic and therapeutic purposesLeft heart catheterization serves various diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Assessing coronary artery bypass grafts.Evaluating coronary artery disease in...
Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction01:20

Mitral Regurgitation I: Introduction

Mitral regurgitation is characterized by the backward circulation of blood from the left ventricle to the left atrium during systole, a phase of the cardiac cycle when the heart contracts and pumps blood out of the chambers. This abnormal flow occurs primarily due to the dysfunction of the mitral valve or its supporting structures, which include the mitral leaflets, chordae tendineae, annulus, and papillary muscles.Etiology and Mechanisms:Primary Mitral Regurgitation: This type arises from...
Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction01:22

Mitral Stenosis I: Introduction

Mitral Valve Stenosis (MVS) is a heart condition where the mitral valve narrows, impeding blood circulation from the left atrium to the left ventricle. The etiology and pathophysiology of this condition are multifaceted, leading to a cascade of cardiovascular complications.Causes of Mitral Valve StenosisRheumatic Heart Disease: It is the main cause of mitral valve stenosis, particularly in developing nations. This condition arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory illness resulting from...
Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias01:18

Dysrhythmias IV: Characteristics of Bradyarrhythmias

Bradyarrhythmias are cardiac rhythm disorders characterized by a slower-than-normal heart rate, typically defined as fewer than 60 beats per minute. Some of which are discussed here:Sinus BradycardiaSinus bradycardia presents a heart rate lower than 60 beats per minute, with a regular rhythm originating from the SA node. The ECG typically shows normal P waves preceding each QRS complex, a normal PR interval (0.12 to 0.20 seconds), and a normal QRS duration (0.06 to 0.10 seconds).First-Degree AV...