Prevalence of Bundle Branch Block and Axis Deviation in Permanent Atrial Fibrillation and Gender Differences

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia.
• The association between AF and conduction abnormalities like bundle branch block (BBB) and axis deviation (AD) requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the coexistence and association of right or left bundle branch block and axis deviation in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation compared to healthy subjects in sinus rhythm.
• To investigate potential correlations between these ECG findings and atrial fibrillation, considering age and sex.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study at Ziv Medical Center, Israel.
• Analysis of ECGs from patients with permanent atrial fibrillation and a control group with sinus rhythm.
• Assessment for the presence of bundle branch block and/or axis deviation.

Main Results:

• A significant correlation was found between atrial fibrillation and left bundle branch block.
• Subjects in sinus rhythm showed a significant correlation with left axis deviation.
• Younger patients (<73.5 years) with AF had a higher correlation with LBBB; older patients (>73.5 years) in sinus rhythm had a higher correlation with LAD.

Conclusions:

• Left bundle branch block may be a risk factor for atrial fibrillation, while left axis deviation might be protective.
• Age influences these associations, with younger AF patients showing a significant correlation with LBBB, potentially indicating a poor prognosis.
• No significant difference was observed between male and female patients regarding these associations.