Left bundle-branch block--pathophysiology, prognosis, and clinical management.
Given its broad use as a screening tool, the electrocardiogram (ECG) has largely become one of the most common diagnostic tests performed in routine clinical practice. As a result, the finding of left bundle-branch block (LBBB) in the absence of a well-defined clinical setting has become relatively frequent and raises questions and often concerns. While in the absence of clinically detectable heart disease LBBB does not necessarily imply poor outcomes, physicians should be aware of the role of LBBB in stratifying risk of cardiovascular events and death in subjects with both ischemic and nonischemic heart disease. This paper reviews historical landmarks, pathophysiologic features, prognostic implications, and clinical management of LBBB in apparently healthy subjects and those with heart disease.
Francia
Pietro
P
Division of Cardiology, II Faculty of Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy.
Balla
Cristina
C
Paneni
Francesco
F
Volpe
Massimo
M
D002037:Bundle-Branch Block / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors