This creates heartbeat irregularities that can be seen on anelectrocardiogram (ECG).
Though not a serious problem on its own, RBBB may indicate an undiagnosed heart condition.
It usually has no symptoms and does not require treatment except for addressing the underlying cause.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
This article discusses right bundle branch block.
It explains what RBBB is, what may cause it, and what it may mean for your health.
What Is a Bundle Branch Block?
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The heart has two bundle branches, one on each side.
The signal then goes to the atrioventricular (AV) node and bundle branches.
This prompts the lower heart chambers (ventricles) to contract.
A block in either bundle branch acts like a speed bump and delays the signal.
As a result, one side of the heart contracts slightly later than the other.
This loss of normal coordination reduces the heart’s efficiency.
RBBB (in comparison to LBBB) has relatively little effect on overall cardiac function.
Is Right Bundle Branch Block Serious?
On its own, a right bundle branch block is not usually serious.
RBBB is sometimes associated with an underlying cardiac or pulmonary condition.
A diagnosis of RBBB warrants further testing and evaluation to assess your cardiovascular risks.
Right bundle branch blocks are classified as either a complete block or an incomplete block.
A bundle branch block is more common in the right ventricle.
A left bundle branch block, however, is more serious.
This makes it susceptible to damage and stretching whenever the right ventricle is placed under stress of any kind.
The risk of RBBB increases with age.
It occurs twice as often in people over age 65 as compared to those over age 40.
It is also more common in men.
These include:
Lung conditions that cause chronic right ventricle pressure elevation can lead to right bundle branch block.
These include:
Cardiac Catheterization Procedures
Patients undergoingcardiac catheterizationmay experience a transient right bundle branch block.
Transient RBBB usually resolves quickly (within minutes) once the catheter is removed.
Does RBBB Cause Symptoms?
Right bundle branch block itself almost never produces symptoms.
However, RBBB may cause symptoms of heart failure to worsen in some people.
Diagnosis
Right bundle branch block is often found incidentally on ECG.
Sometimes, right bundle branch block is part ofBrugada syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening heart rhythm disorder.
A chest X-ray and anechocardiogramare commonly used screening tools.
How Is RBBB Treated?
Situations that may increase the need for a pacemaker include:
Does RBBB Affect Life Expectancy?
Right bundle branch block does not impact life expectancy unless it is due to an underlying condition.
Summary
Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is an abnormal cardiac pattern seen on an ECG.
It does not have any symptoms and is not typically serious on its own.
RBBB indicates a partial or complete block of the electrical impulse to the lower right chamber of the heart.
Right bundle branch block can be a sign of an underlying cardiac or pulmonary condition and warrants further evaluation.
RBBB indicates a higher risk for heart disease and should be monitored.
Treatment typically focuses on addressing underlying heart disease through medication and lifestyle changes.
In some cases, a pacemaker may be needed.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
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