A new terminology for describing left and right ventricular conduction abnormalities.
The words we use to describe a medical condition should match our knowledge of it. Unfortunately, at times, the words we used long ago persist after new knowledge of the subject has become apparent; so it is with left and right ventricular conduction system abnormalities. The words left or right bundle-branch block no longer reflect our knowledge of the condition. Accordingly, this essay describes a new terminology that more accurately describes the numerous abnormalities that compose left and right ventricular conduction system block as well as their numerous subsets. A brief account of the cardiac conditions associated with the conduction defects is also presented.
Hurst
J Willis
JW
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. Jhurst@emory.edu
D002037:Bundle-Branch Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006327:Heart Block / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D009626:Terminology as Topic