Hi, I am new to this and have just been diagnosed with having heart failure - namely; Left Bundle Branch Block. My diagnosis came as a bit of a shock, seeing as I'm only 34 years old. I was suffering with dizzy spells and heart palpitations, which was what initially led me to see a Dr. I had a short ECG performed in my Drs surgery, which showed the Left Bundle Branch Block. Due to my age, and no known family history, I was referred to cardiology at my nearest hospital where I had further tests - a 48hr heart monitor, and Echocardiogram and a further ECG. I met with my heart doctor last week who confirmed the diagnosis, and that all tests showed my heart isn't working as it should be. It's only working at 60%, which is a big deficit at my age. I have been prescribed two types of meds, one to reduce my bp and the other to try and smooth out my hearts electric signals. I know that LBBB cannot be reversed, or cured, but I am looking for some advice on living with the condition going forward.
Left Bundle Branch Block: Hi, I am new... - British Heart Fou...
Left Bundle Branch Block
Hello. I don't have time to reply properly right now, but just wanted to let you know that I was diagnosed with heart failure aged 31, like you, completely unexpectedly. That was over six years ago now and I am happy and living a full and active life with no signs of going downhill any time soon.
It does take a while to get medication sorted out and balanced, but we are so lucky with the medication (and other treatments) available nowadays. I take a variety of tablets (beta blockers, water tablets, Entresto...) and have a CRT-D device fitted. I try to follow a healthy lifestyle too. That all seems to be standing me in good stead so far.
Feel free to message me if you think I can help you in any way. I remember the shock and fear I felt following diagnosis, I imagine you are feeling similar. All the best x
Thanks Laura. That’s good to know. I think it’s just a case of getting used to it, seeing what meds work, and looking after myself x
Hi Bexorps83 and welcome to our Community! I am sorry to read that you have been told you have heart failure, but hopefully the medication you have been prescribed will reduce/resolve your symptoms. You will find information on our website about both heart failure and left bundle branch block. I am keen for you to be aware though that no one's heart functions at 100%, which may be what you are comparing the 60% to. In fact a normal, what we call ejection fraction, is actually any reading greater than 55%, so I would suggest that you have a chat with your cardiologist to clarify the information you were given. The goal of treatment will be to reduce the workload of the heart but it is good to ask your specialist what the management plan is. Alternatively, do phone our Helpline where you can speak with a cardiac nurse who can explain it to you as well. All the best, Maureen
Thank you Maureen
Hello there Bexorps83,
Sorry to read you have been through this simula trauma shock that most of us on here have received. Be it family, friends or us that have actually got heart issues.
It can be and is so surreal at first. Almost like you are having an out of body exspireance. They can't seriously be talking about me?
In time you will come to terms, except & cope with all this. Almost to the point that for the most part you wont be thinking about it at all.
It will be friends & family who remind you, "don't forget you have a heart condition" when you go to move that heavy box etc 😊
The stress you feel with having this condition at your age will also lessen in time.
I think the fact is, many people possibly have heart issues many years before they are aware or are diagnosed with it.
So the fact that you know, now means you are on the radar earlier than most. Which means you will be monitored and treated earlier. Which can only mean you have a wonderful brighter future of many years ahead of you.
Please don't worry too much, easier said than done, I know.
But you will get better, you'll be much stronger. Then you'll see there is a good life after heart conditions diagnosis.
Sending hugs, Jo 😊😊
There's no point worrying about it;things are what they are;we just have to thankful there's treatment for this..I was diagnosed with LBBB last sept..6days treatment and off for an Angiogram;where x4 stents were fitted,cured all my symtoms and I haven't looked back..Just concentrated on getting back to normal as I can...I do wish you luck with your treatment and outcome..
why do they say it is heart failure for LBBB? I have this and LAD with LAFB never said this to me all I was told is not to worry about it?. I think my heart doc is crazy
Hi Juls, I’m not entirely sure! That’s just what I was told I had. I presume it’s because LBBB is a sign the heart is failing at what it is meant to be doing. My cardiologist said to me that ‘heart failure’ sounds scary...but it’s not ‘heart failed’ - that’s obviously worse! She said it’s a term they use to diagnose heart conditions where the heart isn’t working at 100%. However, 5 months post diagnosis and I’m feeling a lot more positive about everything, and although it’s still a horrible term - I know that the long term prognosis is good, with meds, and as long as my scans come back with no other underlying conditions, I can continue to live a normal life. HTH x
Well, I guess I need a second opinion the cardiologist I have does not seem to be interested in my opinion, put's it down to anxiety? gave me bisoprolol 2.5mg I ended up in the hospital with bradycardia heartbeat fell to 42 bpm not good back to normal now only fed up with ectopic beats all day long. so this is actually named as heart failure? well thank you great info x
Gosh, bless you. If you’re worrying about it, then yes, I’d say look for an alternative opinion to reassure you. I’m also on bisoprolol 2.5mg once a day, and also Ramipril 5mg twice a day. They have talked about adding a 3rd drug, but not happened yet. I’ve had an MRI and a CT scan, as well as numerous ECG’s and Echo’s. They’re concerned mainly because I’m “young” for this condition, but so far nothing awful has shown up, so just to carry on with meds. I have noticed a reduction in palpitations, but not in the dizziness. I guess that’s a symptom I’ll just have to learn to live with. I think, as your condition is different to mine in parts, it would be worth perusing an alternative diagnosis or treatment if you’re not feeling well. This condition shouldn’t stop ‘normal’ life xx
I am 63 in 2 weeks lol but I've had what they thought was my thyroid causing palps but I became breathless and still am worse now ... I have an appointment with my own GP next week will ask her to send me elsewhere. one thing I do not have is HB. so thank god for that one. I have now still got the bisoprolol but I take it when my heart beats fast what they call pill in pocket. that they slow your heart down. anyway pleased I came in here today not been for ages.
Heart failure is a tricky one. It can be caused by so many different conditions. Just because one person's LBBB has led to heart failure, it doesn't mean that yours has. All that said, it doesn't sound like you have a lot of confidence in your diagnosis, so seeking a second opinion probably is a good idea. Hope you get some answers/reassurance soon. Good luck!
well i got abother echo scan done result came in as mild right ventricle dilation still nothing to worry about ? but ecg now is showing rbbb ? I argued that it was wrong said no its been a DX as lbbb so I have asked my gp for a second opinion and i am going to get that, I discharged the cardoligist I was seeing as he just never tells me anything what so ever shame I have to write for my medical records to see what is going on ?.
Hi. I was diagnosed aged 25. I'm now 40+. at the time i was too young to have a pacemaker and at the start was mainly being treated as issues occurred. I must admit for the first few years i did have attacks. Previously i was nearly as fit as an athlete so it was a bit of a shock. It did take a while to get the diagnosis as i was so young at time, but it was a bit relieving to finally be able to put a name to it. I actually found out more info through the BHF than the hospitals to be honest. I had children so didn't have the time to mope about too much. I continued with a healthy lifestyle, not as intense as before and tried to reduce my stress levels as still do. I have not been hospitalised for a a few years now but that was due to receiving a sudden shock. Other than that it's all been ok. The only other health issues i have had have not been related to my heart. I have learnt to know my limits. So for me it's not lifting anything too heavy, not over exerting myself but still maintaining a good fitness level. I've got a few extras now due to the LBBB but i'm still ok. I walk or do some form of exercise on a regular basis, eat healthy and like i said reducing the stress. I'm just glad to be alive. All the best. I know it sounds scary but i'm glad i didn't spend the last 20+ years thinking the worst.
Hi, sorry to hear this, but glad that you are happier now and getting meds sorted etc. I have - LBBB but have been told I don't seem to have any of the usual underlying problems.....confused ? I am ! I take verapamil once a day - this was prescribed around 4 or 5 years ago when tests showed i was having rvot ectopics (lots of them !) - only seemed to really happen when at work, i subsequently left that job and the problem 'disappeared' - still on the meds, had a bit of an episode (chest pain - admitted to ccu for checks) last week (as posted a few days ago). Don't know if its the LBBB that caused(s) the ectopics, or if that is another electrical fault..... need someone in the know to tell me that ! ..... angiogram is clear, bp is fine, don't smoke (never have) not diabetic, 48 in 2 weeks, don't drink a lot, previous echo was good (4or5 years ago) I am overweight, no heart disease or valve problems or anything else........ I guess as said we just have to know or limits and report any changes we have asap... take care and keep us posted x
Hello I am new to this!!!! They picked up at hospital that I have left bundle branch block and I am awaiting to see a cardiologist... Apart from feeling extremely tired I have had the odd palpitation but nothing else... Could someone one please tell me if they just treat with medicines and if so what... Thankyou. X
Hiya, sorry to hear you have been diagnosed with LBBB.
I am in early stages of this, and only have minor symptoms compared to some, so I just take BP tablets and heart calming meds; Bisoprolol and Ramipril.
It will entirely depend on what your cardiologist feels is right for you.
You may end up having CT and MRI scans to see the severity of your condition. I also had to wear a heart monitor for 48hrs to track my symptoms at home.
It’s a very manageable condition and will not stop you leading a happy and healthy life. Wishing you lots of luck xx
Ah.. Thankyou lovely your reply is very much appreciated.. I am worried. I have taken time off work... I don't feel I can go back till I have seen a cardiologist... This is my 7th week off... My mum has told me stresses is worst thing... Sorry I'm waffling... I hope you are o. K and doing well. Lots love. X
Hi, I know this is an older post but wondering if anyone has updates? I’m 39 and recently diagnosed with LBBB. I wore a heart monitor for 3 days, all was normal. Had an echo, heart was normal with EF 60%. CT scan showed zero plaque. Low BP. He told me it was nothing to worry about? It seems so odd... going to get a 2nd opinion in Jan. Not taking any medication.
LBBB with no other issues is just a fluke. It cannot be reversed but it doesn't mean heart failure or end of days for those of US diagnosed. I have had it for 8 years now and I'm 42. I go to the gym 6 days a week and live just like those without LBBB, it's more of. Mind thing for me. If the docs have run all the tests and your EF is above 30% it's not HF. Live happy. Live prosper. LBBB with no other diagnosis will not affect that.
I was diagnosed with this condition 3 months ago . But there are several anomalies . I have an EF of 62% but a QRS duration of 170ms , normal 120ms plus an AV block of 250 ms .normal 200ms .This QRS duration just does not normally occur in this condition with
an EF of 62% . I am totally bewildered by these findings . Cardiac MRI states SOME LBBB
All very strange anomalies
Hi my husband who is 32 has recently been told he has a LBBB and mild LVSD. he was also diagnosed with first degree heart block back in 2013 they told him not to worry back then but he has recently been in hospital and found the LBBB and mild LVSD. He was in hospital for 4 days to be monitored where he had lots of bloods, ECG's and an ECHO. He went for a Heart MRI just on Wednesday so waiting to find out the results. Up to now he has been put on ramprill tablets and aspirin. I'm just so worried for him😢
Hi NDT, don’t worry I was diagnosed LBBB around the same time during an insurance check- I am turning 39 in a few weeks 
I currently take ramipril 2.5mg started a week back .. so about 7 yrs without meds ; I was also told that I may have had LBBB since birth. No clue on that!
It’s a manageable condition for sure . So relax and no stress for you
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