Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

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
Changes of left ventricular contractility in alternating left bundle branch block
Insights
This case study reports intermittent left bundle branch block causing alternating heart contractility in a borderline heart. The findings suggest peripheral block location may reduce left ventricular contractility.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Cardiac Physiology
Background:
- Left bundle branch block (LBBB) can affect cardiac function.
- Understanding contractility changes in LBBB is crucial for patient management.
Observation:
- A case of intermittent, non-rate-dependent left bundle branch block is presented.
- Alternating contractility indices (dP/dt, dP/dt/P) were observed.
- The patient had a borderline normal heart function.
Findings:
- Reduced left ventricular contractility was noted during LBBB episodes.
- This reduction may differ from findings by other authors.
- A peripheral location of the left bundle branch block is hypothesized as the cause.
Implications:
- Peripheral LBBB may uniquely impact left ventricular contractility.
- Further research is needed to confirm the relationship between block location and contractility.
- This case highlights the complexity of LBBB in borderline cardiac conditions.
Abstract:
A case of intermittent and at times alternating, nonrate-dependent left bundle branch block, with alternation of normal and reduced indexes of contractility (dP/dt, dP/dt/P) in a borderline normal heart is reported. The reduction of left ventricular contractility in the presence of left bundle branch block, as compared to what is found by other authors, is supposedly related to a different location of the block in the left branch (peripheral vs high).
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