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Published on: December 11, 2017
Left bundle-branch block--pathophysiology, prognosis, and clinical management
Pietro Francia1, Cristina Balla, Francesco Paneni
1Division of Cardiology, II Faculty of Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Left bundle-branch block (LBBB) on an electrocardiogram (ECG) is common. While not always indicating poor outcomes in healthy individuals, LBBB helps assess cardiovascular risk in various heart conditions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Clinical Diagnostics
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a widely used screening tool in clinical practice.
- Left bundle-branch block (LBBB) is a frequent finding, often raising clinical concern.
- The prognostic significance of LBBB, especially in asymptomatic individuals, requires careful consideration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical context, pathophysiology, and prognostic implications of LBBB.
- To discuss the clinical management of LBBB in both healthy subjects and those with heart disease.
- To highlight the role of LBBB in cardiovascular risk stratification.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of historical landmarks, pathophysiologic features, and prognostic data related to LBBB.
- Analysis of clinical management strategies for LBBB.
- Synthesis of information regarding LBBB in diverse patient populations.
Main Results:
- LBBB in the absence of overt heart disease does not invariably predict adverse outcomes.
- LBBB is a significant factor in risk stratification for cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with ischemic and non-ischemic heart disease.
- Understanding LBBB's implications is crucial for appropriate clinical management.
Conclusions:
- Physicians must be aware of LBBB's prognostic value, particularly in patients with underlying cardiovascular conditions.
- The presence of LBBB necessitates a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment.
- This review provides a framework for understanding and managing LBBB in clinical practice.
Abstract:
Given its broad use as a screening tool, the electrocardiogram (ECG) has largely become one of the most common diagnostic tests performed in routine clinical practice. As a result, the finding of left bundle-branch block (LBBB) in the absence of a well-defined clinical setting has become relatively frequent and raises questions and often concerns. While in the absence of clinically detectable heart disease LBBB does not necessarily imply poor outcomes, physicians should be aware of the role of LBBB in stratifying risk of cardiovascular events and death in subjects with both ischemic and nonischemic heart disease. This paper reviews historical landmarks, pathophysiologic features, prognostic implications, and clinical management of LBBB in apparently healthy subjects and those with heart disease.
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