bundle branch block
Electrical conduction delay in the heart's bundle branches, visible on ECG and requiring specific morphology description in reports.
Full Definition
A cardiac conduction abnormality where electrical impulses are delayed or blocked in either the right or left bundle branch of the heart's electrical system. Bundle branch blocks appear as widened QRS complexes on electrocardiograms with characteristic morphologies that help determine the affected side. Left bundle branch block (LBBB) is generally more clinically significant than right bundle branch block (RBBB), particularly in the context of heart failure and cardiac resynchronization therapy candidacy. Medical editors encounter these findings in ECG interpretations, electrophysiology consultations, and device implantation evaluations. The documentation often includes specific QRS duration measurements and morphology descriptions.
Usage
Usage note: Specify left or right; include QRS duration when mentioned; distinguish from AV blocks.
In Context
- "The ECG demonstrated a new left bundle branch block concerning for acute coronary syndrome." — Emergency department interpretation
- "Right bundle branch block was noted as an incidental finding on routine ECG." — Preventive cardiology assessment