Left Bundle Branch Block

[Andian]

Hello, I am new to this site which I found while looking for information on Left Bundle Branch Block. I feel quite unwell and was hoping there was some medication to help alleviate these feelings, but after reading various posts on here it seems that you have to learn to live the condition. Has anybody been able to find anything helpful. I am awaiting a Cardiology appointment.

[RufusScamp]

I was diagnosed with it nearly 3 years ago, having suddenly had difficulty walking or doing anything. It led to severe heart failure, and several days in hospital with fluid on the lungs. Thanks to meds and a pacemaker, I am now coping well day-to-day. Not as good as I was previously, but able to manage most things. I am fairly certain that the condition is probably not curable, but it is treatable. Best of luck with the appointment. I suggest you list things you want to ask, and make a note of the answers.

I had never heard of LBBB before, but I have since met many sufferers, all living a very reasonable life. Please ask if there is anything more you want to discuss. People are very helpful and sympathetic on this site.

[Andian in reply to RufusScamp]

Thanks Rufus for your reply. Good idea to make a list of questions it’s not easy to remain focused. So pleased you’re managing and coping. I shall remain ever hopeful.

[nilmonisikdar40 in reply to RufusScamp]

Majority of modern cardiologist are of the opinion LBBB is associated with ischaemic heart disease and not to be dismissed lightly. In fact it is early warning sign in ECG of serious things ahead. I would be interested to know about others who had LBBB because I had it and paid for it later because cardiologist did not review it.

[Silvertail]

LBBB doesn't seem to cause problems by itself. It often is an underlying symptom of another heart problem, so if they find LBBB on an ECG you will have many tests to try to find the cause. I have LBBB and have several heart issues. Cardiologists don't bother about my LBBB even though my ECGs are always abnormal.

[Andian in reply to Silvertail]

So once you get checked for other heart conditions and hopefully assuming none found LBBB not to be overly to be worried about. Just hope I can get rid of these uncomfortable turns. Hope to get Cardiologist appointment soon.

[Hidden]

Several years ago I was having my annual healthy heart check at our doctors surgery.....the nurse informed me she was showing my ECG to the Doctor for him to check it.....two minutes later I was sat with the Doctor who informed me that he was sending my ECG to the Cardiology Department at Scarborough hospital as it showed irregularities.He asked if I'd got my GTN spray and told me to wait outside his consulting room and to shout for him if I had "any issues"....

Ten minutes later he called me back, gave me an envelope and told me to go to the Cardio Department in Scarborough....about 20 miles up the coast, no problem says I, I'll jump in the car now.....to be informed I couldn't drive!!

The good lady arrived in a taxi to drive me up to Scarborough.

After another ECG I was told I had a Left Bundle Block and not to worry about it.

I don't!!

It's never caused me any issues.

Whenever I'm having an ECG I always tell them that I've got a LBBB and they always with a sigh of relief thank me for telling them.

[Andian]

That’s really good to know. Thanks John

[Silvertail]

Even though this is my experience with LBBB, it's not necessarily the same for others. I'd definitely voice my concerns and get checked out properly. (Incidentally mine was discovered when I went for a stress test. When they did the ECG pretest, they said I had LBBB and couldn't do the stress test because it makes it difficult to tell if you're having a heart attack etc. LBBB is easy for anyone with medical experience to pick. It has a definite pattern on an ECG..)

[nilmonisikdar40]

I can tell you something from my own experience. In March 1995 I had a mini stroke /syncopal. My close friend and colleague GP referred me to a cardiologist who ordered some basic tests including exercise tolerance which was okay. However, ECG showed Left Bundle branch block which was significant but ignored. No follow up. In February 2000 I develped complete heart block and require permanent pace maker. I wish my cardiologist folloowed up my case because he had long five years to do so. By totally ignoring that a preventable condition which in my case was complete heart block could have been avoided. The L.B.B.B was an early sign of ischaemic heart disease which was connected to heart block. So Andian insist you need follow up.

[Andian]

After finding out that our hospital has an up to 40 week waiting list I am now going down the private route for LBBB. Appointment this Tuesday. If I didn’t have funny turns I would wait, but not being a spring chicken I feel I would like any help now, to give me the opportunity of enjoying myself for my remaining years.