Etiology and Left Ventricular Functions in Left Bundle Branch Block- A Prospective Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Internal Medicine
• Diagnostic Electrocardiography

Background:

• Left Bundle Branch Block (LBBB) is a frequent electrocardiogram (ECG) finding.
• Common etiologies include coronary artery disease (CAD), hypertension, and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
• Understanding the underlying causes and impact on left ventricular function is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the etiology of LBBB in patients presenting to a territory care hospital.
• To assess left ventricular function in patients diagnosed with LBBB.
• To correlate clinical presentation with echocardiographic findings in LBBB patients.

Main Methods:

• Consecutive indoor and outdoor patients with ECG-suggestive LBBB were enrolled.
• Detailed patient history and physical examinations were conducted.
• Echocardiography was performed on all participants to evaluate left ventricular structure and function.

Main Results:

• A total of 132 patients with LBBB were studied (mean age 61.65±13.02 years).
• Dyspnea (30.3%) and chest pain (24.24%) were the most common presenting symptoms.
• Hypertension was prevalent (47.7%), and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH) was the most common echocardiographic finding (31.8%).
• Over 50% of patients (56.8%) exhibited left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
• Dilated cardiomyopathy (25%) and myocardial infarction (23.48%) were significant underlying causes.

Conclusions:

• Dyspnea and chest pain are common symptoms in LBBB patients.
• Hypertension is a major comorbidity, and LVH is a frequent echocardiographic abnormality.
• Left ventricular systolic dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with LBBB.