Acute coronary syndromes focusing on left bundle branch block.
There has been extensive coverage of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the acute coronary syndromes (ACS) in recent years, yet heart blocks involving the right and left bundle branches have received little coverage, despite their frequent co-existence. This article will commence with an overview of the ACS with which LBBB is synonymous, discussion on the initial management of these patients, and progress into highlighting both the clinical signs and symptoms related to the pathophysiological changes associated with blocks involving the bundle branches, and the associated electrical changes that can be identified on an electrocardiogram (ECG). The overall intension of this article is to increase practitioners' awareness and knowledge base surrounding this common clinical patient presentation and enhance clinical proficiency, thereby improving patient care and the management of patient's experiencing LBBB.
Heatherwood and Wexham Park Hospitals, Emergency Department, Wexham Park Hospital, Wexham, Slough, Berkshire SL2 4HL, UK. cliff.evans@hwph-tr.nhs.uk
Cliff
C
Evans
Emma
E
Tippins
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000208:Acute Disease; D000465:Algorithms; D002037:Bundle-Branch Block / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003663:Decision Trees; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D018450:Disease Progression; D004562:Electrocardiography; D016529:Emergency Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D004638:Emergency Treatment / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014218:Triage