Electromechanical coupling, uncoupling, and ventricular function in patients with bundle branch block: a

Miguel Quintana1, Samir Saha, Morteza Rohani

  • 1Department of Clinical Physiology and Cardiology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden. miguel.quintana@labmed.ki.se

Insights

Left bundle branch block (LBBB) causes impaired left ventricular (LV) function due to delayed electromechanical coupling. Tissue-Doppler echocardiography (TDE) can assess these cardiac function changes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Cardiac Electrophysiology
  • Echocardiography

Background:

  • Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is linked to reduced left ventricular (LV) function, increased morbidity, and mortality.
  • Mechanisms underlying LBBB's impact on cardiac function remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of LBBB on LV function and coordination.
  • To explore the utility of Tissue-Doppler echocardiography (TDE) in assessing cardiac function in LBBB.

Main Methods:

  • Studied subjects with isolated LBBB, right bundle branch block (RBBB), and controls using 2D and TDE.
  • Assessed inter- and intraventricular coordination via TDE velocity profiles.
  • Evaluated LV function using 2D echocardiography, TDE-derived peak systolic velocities, and AV plane displacement.

Main Results:

  • LBBB subjects exhibited longer electromechanical delays and isovolumic relaxation times.
  • Compared to RBBB and controls, LBBB patients had shorter ejection times, lower peak systolic velocities, and reduced AV plane displacement.
  • LBBB was associated with larger LV end-systolic volumes, lower LV ejection fraction, and increased atrial contribution to AV plane displacement.

Conclusions:

  • Delayed electromechanical coupling in LBBB causes intra- and interventricular asynchrony, leading to depressed LV function.
  • TDE can effectively assess electromechanical coupling and its effects on cardiac function in patients with bundle branch block (BBB).
Abstract

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