My LBBB is back :(

[Bulpik]

I was diagnosed with LBBB in Jan 22. Had syncope and did various tests. No underlying disease found.

Throughought the year the LBBB slowly disappeared at rest heart rates. Just appeared when I walked uphill or worked out (130bpm+). I was happy with this.

Now, Jan 23, at the precise last day of my 3 week holiday travel, I started feeling ectopics again and a small slight pain in my chest: the LBBB is back at rest heart rates, and it's making me very anxious (thus speeding my heart further).

I went yesterday to the hospital, and they said that besides high HR and LBBB, everything was normal. They gave me bisoprolol and I stopped feeling the slight pain that results from when the LBBB is active.

But today is back again even if only when I do some movements.

My question is:

- Anyone with intermittent LBBB that did notice changes through time at which HR the LBBB appears?

- Also, what could be leading this? Stress? Tiredness? Bad diet that I had in the past weeks? Lack of walks/exercise?

I'm afraid something in my heart is getting worse. Was so happy that I almost didn't see the Ibbb anymore, and now it's suddenly back. Some positive stories would be nice to hear.

[Andian]

Hi I find your post surprising talking about LBBB coming and going. After feeling ill about April this year I had ECG and LBBB was diagnosed, my GP told me it cannot be cured but managed. As waiting list so long for Consultant I went private looking for underlying cause, during the investigation scans etc I had a HA and now diagnosed with Heart Failure. I am on a cocktail of tablets which hopefully will keep me stabilised. I feel so grateful for all the attention and help I am getting.

I do hope you keep well and I will follow your posts with interest. Sorry my post is not as positive as you were hoping for.

[Bulpik in reply to Andian]

I’m sorry to hear about your HA and HF. Hopefully meds are now good at maintaining us stable.

LBBB cannot be cured no. But some are intermittent/heart rate dependent: they only appear when your heart right is at a certain level (eg 100bpm).

Mine is like that (or was at least). But recently (since 4days ago) it started being almost always present (when I walk, get up, etc). And when it’s present, I feel a slight pain/discomfort.

[devonian186 in reply to Bulpik]

Could it be anxiety? As I understand it you were due to fly back the next day. I hate air travel and that would make me nervous. That in turn would raise your HR and likely your BP which would have knock on effects and create a circle of more anxiety and stress. Once it starts it needs something to break the circle which either be calmness or meds or a combination.

[Bulpik in reply to devonian186]

it could very much be. I was thinking yesterday and it could have been because of the flight and getting back to work (many things to catch-up). After realizing that yesterday, it seems that part of the symptoms at least became less aparent. Too soon to tell but let’s see how things evolve in the following days now that I realized that

Some meds may be helpful as well indeed.

[devonian186]

I have come to hate flying. I find myself checking the UK Weather forecast just before going or coming back to see how windy it is which of course makes me even more anxious in case of a bumpy flight. Before going on an extended car trip (say to the airport or on holiday) I feel nervous but that disappears as soon as I set out.

Bad diet-even for a short period-must have an impact if you are already 'on the edge.' Never tried it myself but some people swear by stress management techniques and yoga.

[Bulpik in reply to devonian186]

yes, kind of similar in this case. More because of being a long flight.

I’m getting back to meditation. It doesn’t have great impact usually, mas it helps a bit.

[Manderson27]

I have LBBB Just been checked out and no underlying heart issue and EF rate is 54. Booked for MRI at end of year to check on any changes but Cardiologist think it is unlikely as no other issues with heart and I have had palpitations for decades without knowing what it was.

I do find the palpitations come and go. I hasten to add that I do not get any pain or other symptoms though.

There are things that set it off for me:

After a meal.

Chocolate/sugar

Caffeine

Stress

Just sitting quietly

Once we are tuned in to our heart we will notice the beats more, that is only natural.

I don't notice them when I am busy, or exercising, they are still there but the distraction of what I am doing or the raised heart rate from exercise covers them I guess.

I do get breathless going up hill or stairs but I believe that is more due to my fitness levels rather than the LBBB and is improving as I do more.

If you are getting chest pain I would speak to your GP or Consultant it could just be tension because you are anxious but better to let them know.

Hope they settle down for you.

[Bulpik in reply to Manderson27]

My palpitaitons + chest tightness stopped after today's cardiologist appointment, where he reassured me all was fine. The LBBB also seems to have resolved at bellow 100bpm...

Incredible what the mind can do...

[Manderson27 in reply to Bulpik]

Glad all is now ok with you. Sometimes we just need reassurance so we can lower our anxiety levels to feel so much better.

[Bulpik]

Hi 👋

I also discovered my lbbb in Jan 2022 when I felt some ectopics and decided to check it out.

The lbbb is back to my normal: it appears only when I’m at 130bpm+. And I feel an ectopic or two when I’m more anxious (and when the lbbb appears at 130bpm).

I don’t have any (detected at least) disease.

Other than that all ok I would say.