Left bundle branch block problems

[Mfaepink1973]

I was alarmed to read in an earlier post that someone had heart failure brought on by LBBB. I was told when diagnosed with it years ago that it was nothing to worry about. Has anyone else had problems brought on by LBBB and if so what were the symptoms?

[Lekster]

Hi, I've been recently diagnosed with lbbb which was picked up whilst having an op under general - I was told not to worry about it unless symptoms worsen. I also have anaemia and do feel tired quite alot - find it challenging as I teach full-time in a secondary school. I feel I haven't been properly informed about this and cardiologist dismissed my concerns about link between anaemia and lbbb. Be interested to read other people's experiences with this condition.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Lekster]

Mine was picked up when I had a load of tests as I was having chest pains and I was told it was nothing to worry about. Strangely I went to donate blood not long afterwards and they wouldn’t take mine saying it was in case something happened while I was giving blood as the publicity would lose them a lot of potential doners! Like you I feel I wasn’t properly informed about LBBB or what problems it might cause in the future and what symptoms to watch out for.

[SLK-14]

Hello there...I too was diagnosed with Lbbb in 2017, in 2024 I was diagnosed with Heart Failure. I was a symptomatic when heart failure was diagnosed. I wonder how many other people are not being treated for Lbbb and then go on to have heart failure. Take care 🙂

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to SLK-14]

Thanks for your reply. How was your heart failure diagnosed? Was it on a follow up for your LBBB or some other reason?

[Morges]

Yes me too. I picked up my irregular heartbeat on an Omron BP monitor. GP did ECG which flagged up LBBB. I was told nothing to worry about - no treatment needed or follow up. Now 3 years later, I have asymptomatic but permanent AF - picked up at my routine pre-op.

My cardiologist told me I should have had an echocardiogram to see if there was any underlying reason for the BBB.

I now have had the echo, which threw up 2 leaky valves with 40% ejection and enlarged heart. Again I am completely asymptomatic.

[Attacus]

Hello Maybe it isn't anything to worry about ? However I too was diagnosed Jan 2024 with HF after discovering I had LBBB. Turned out it was spotted back in 2020 from routine pre op check but was never mentioned to me or passed on to GP!? After finally discovering it & being told not to worry about it in Jan this year, I panicked, ended up with chest pain and presented myself to A&E where I discovered I had enlarged heart, EF of less than 20% and also bicuspid valve and diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and severe left ventrical failure. I'm 48. Looking back, I was probably symptomatic with breathlessness but had put it down to lack of fitness and getting older. Apart from medication, treatment is looking at pacemaker with defib fitting - LBBB is underlying reason for doing this as I understand currently - although I'm no expert and each case is different & unique I guess.

All the best

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Attacus]

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m going to make an appointment at the doctors to get checked. I’m 72 and apart from having Polymyalgia I’m very fit for my age and rarely breathless but want some reassurance or referral to hospital to see if the LBBB has developed into anything more sinister. I hope your heart problems get sorted out soon. Best wishes

[Cocokiwi in reply to Mfaepink1973]

It was discovered I had Left Bundle Branch Block and was told it was of no consequence. Subsequently a few years later developed dilated cardiomyopathy. Doctors not sure if the Cardiomyopathy was a result of the LBBB or the other way around. I now have been told I have heart failure due to the dysynchrony of the pumping chambers due to LBBB and getting a CRT-P this week to try and help with this. I've had no symptoms since 2012 when they found the LBBB.

[Kittywell]

Hi. I too have been left baffled with no information from medical staff after losing consciousness and a paramedic sending me to hospital as my ECG showed the left side was bundled. No one explained to me that it was called LBBB, and I havent officially even been told its called that. I only realised it may have been that by googling what bundled meant and the doctor at the hospital saying it was the left side of my heart.Although taken to hospital, I wasn't given a scan for the unexplained event or referred for one. I was told it was probably a blip possibly due to stress 🤷‍♀️

I've now been left quite anxious about it all and am looking at going down the private route to get answers. My GP can't access my ECG from the hospital so I've also requested my ECG and notes from the hospital to try and see if I can get any answers from there.

I just want to know one way or the other if I need to be aware of any issues in the future and manage it accordingly.

Also, after informing my travel insurance company of the episode (as I was advised I needed to do so by a friend in the industry), they were willing to cover me for a trip that I had already booked, which is coming up soon, but initially said that they would not cover me for future trips until I was diagnosed. I explained I wasn't likely to be diagnosed with anything as I had not been referred and there was no follow up with the hospital.

The lack of information from medical staff has left me anxious. I've had more support and information from the lovely people on this forum.

[honeybubs]

in 2013 ended up in hospital- GP did ecg and LBBB with inverted T waves showed up. Spent a week in hospital ongoing tests such as scans, echocardiogram and angiogram. All showed clear I had no blockages anywhere my arteries were healthy they said. Over the years I had symptoms I couldn’t walk up steep hills but put it down to my asthma. I had gripping pains under my ribs and a few more like dizziness. I kept being told that all my tests were normal and there was nothing wrong. I could have given up but in 2022 I had two episodes of falling uncontrollably not tripping whilst out walking. They still said nothing was wrong! The end of 2022 I went private and had to plead for him to do an echocardiogram because he’d looked on my NHS notes and agreed that there was nothing wrong. He did say yes thank goodness and when I went back for the results he couldn’t look me in the eye he told me I had heart failure at EF 35% and immediately put me on tablets. No apologies from him or GP’s though. I’ve never complained as there is no point I just want other people to be aware that this is happening to lots of people. I wouldn’t be here now if I’d given up and believed them. I’ve got a resynchronisation pacemaker with defibrillator fitted now which has saved my life. If you know something isn’t right keep on at them. They must see this happening all the time though that’s what baffles me? Hope this has been some help.

[Health20232024 in reply to honeybubs]

Yes it seems many of the posts here including my own mention that doctors often overlook important health issues. Very scary. Thank you for posting

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to honeybubs]

Thanks so much for your reply, I also had all the tests but that was over 10 years ago and no follow up since but no symptoms apart from occasional palpitations which last less than a minute. Your experience has made me consider seeing a cardiologist privately as whenever I’ve mentioned it to my GP I’ve been told the LBBB is nothing to worry about.

[Elsabounre]

I too was diagnosed with LBBB with EF of 35...did Angiogram...no blockages..heart is normal size etc..started on Entresto and bisoprolol and now nearly 2 years later my EF is 49.5 so close to lowest normal..which begins at 50..walking quickly or uphill does cause breathlessness..but reverts quickly to normal...

[Dizzydory]

hi everyone,

I’ve had 3 separate paramedics ask me if I have a diagnosis of LBBB as it has shown up on their ECG but when I’ve been taken to hospital because of my symptoms I’ve been told there is nothing wrong and all results are normal. When I’ve questioned them about what the paramedics have said they have dismissed it straight off. Not very reassuring.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Dizzydory]

All my test results were good but the ECG shows a reading similar to that of someone having a heart attack. My consultant gave me a copy of my ECG to keep with me and show if ever I was taken to hospital

[Sukaya in reply to Mfaepink1973]

I was diagnosed with LBBB at age 32 , after an uphill cycle was told at the time that I must not do heavy work but otherwise walk and carry on as normal. Fast forward, now 66, got breathless and tight chest walking uphills. Angiogram showed only mild stenosis valves etc all fine, so arteries not blocked but showed heart failure. Had echo and EF 40% I was already on ramiprl 1.25 and Bisoprolol 1.25, Statins may have caused T2 diabetes, they send my glucose into overdrive so can’t use them. It is thought that after all these years the LBBB has caused this, I will be seeing cardiologist early May.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Sukaya]

Thanks, it seems there’s definitely some link between LBBB and AF or heart failure.

[Silvertail]

If you have been thoroughly tested for all cardiac problems and have been given the all clear, then I believe, from what I've been told, LBBB is not a problem. My LBBB was found in a routine test, but it developed about the time I had my first takotsubo episode. It seems to me that my TTS cardiomyopathy caused my LBBB and not the other way around.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Silvertail]

Thanks that’s reassuring

[Bubble-t in reply to Silvertail]

No I disagree as I have recently been told LBBB caused my heart failure. I was diagnosed with LBBB 12 years ago and if I had the slightest idea this would have happened I have asked for regular testing. My heart is now only working at 15-20% EF. According to my consultant they no longer think of LBBB as benign because of future problems it can cause. I am so upset that when the thinking on this changed that I, and others like me were not informed. If you. have LBBB don't let them discharge you.

I was treated as a HA patient and if I didn't already know about my LBBB I'm sure they would have said it had been caused by said HA.

[Silvertail in reply to Bubble-t]

If your cardiologist said your LBBB caused your HF then it may be so. However, I have had many normal ECGs over the years. Then I had an episode of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy/HF in 2012. It was after that I developed LBBB which showed up in a routine ECG. If it is discovered first, people are tested for an underlying heart condition which may have caused it to develop. Some people do have LBBB without any other problems though, and it is not known what caused it. I am on medication for CM so I can't say whether or not I have symptoms from it. They haven't discharged me as I've also developed other problems from TTS. I do hope your HF will improve.

[Mfaepink1973]

I’ve just checked on My GP and it was 2010 when LBBB was diagnosed in hospital. I had been taken to hospital with chest pains by ambulance and paramedics did an ECG and told me I was having a heart attack and needed my consent to thrombolise me, which I gave. After 2 days in hospital the consultant told me I had LBBB and gave me a print out of my ECG. He explained that because I have LBBB the ECG looks like I’m having a heart attack and he told me to keep the printout with me and show it if I had an ECG again in the future. He sent me for various tests including an angiogram and I was told my arteries were clear. Since then nothing! I have been having occasional palpitations recently so in light of your reply and other similar ones I think at least a check up is in order.

Hope your health continues to improve and many thanks for your reply

[wischo]

Have had LBBB for over 3 years and recently been diagnosed with Afib. Had an echo which showed prolonged PR interval, EF of 48 to 52%, mild dyskinetic show on left ventricle but all other heart signs, size, valves, etc deemed as okay so left with 5mg Ramipril, 1,25mg Bisoprolol, 40mg Atorvistatin and Edoxaban. Seems the LBBB is insignificant but the AF is. Feel a bit tired but okay and can walk 5klms a day without any problems. Heart rate is always low and 52bpm as I type now. What more can they do?.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to wischo]

So I’m still no wiser as to whether LBBB causes A Fib or if it’s just a coincidence that some people who have LBBB develop AF or other heart problems 🤨

[wischo in reply to Mfaepink1973]

Doubt any cardiologist or medic can answer that question for you!! I simply gave you my scenario which shows I had the LBBB first and then the Afib. Ask your cardiologist or GP as people here can only relay what their own experiences are.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to wischo]

Thanks

[polenta]

My HF was made worse because of LBBB was my understanding, the Dr. said it made my heart beat unevenly . I had a CRT-D inplanted and it helped my heart beat evenly and the LBBB went away within 5 or 6 months when my heart became stronger. There are articles about CRT-D inplants for HF patients with LBBB that you can read. My inplant was in 2015 and just recently had my 1st battery change and my LBBB has never come back.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to polenta]

Thanks, that’s reassuring

[Ennasti]

There’s a lot of factors to considering regarding your diagnoses. As with many cardiac rhythm disorders, the impact will depend on how much, how long and why. A lot of people diagnosed with an LBBB only have it when the heart rate is increased due to exercise (for example). Therefore, if your heart is otherwise ok and it only occurs a couple of times a week when you go for your jog or walk, then it’s not going to do much harm as it’s only going to be occurring during the time your heart rate is increased and disappears as soon as the rate drops.

If you add something like AF or ischemia, then it’s definitely going to impact on your heart and add a lot more pressure to the function. If your LBBB is there 24/7 (which does occur but not as often as those with it only on exercise or intermittent) then it’s also putting extra pressure on the heart a lot more and damage may occur.

It’s the same with ectopics. On their own they’re benign but ongoing frequent high burdens or other cardiac issues will increase the risk of damage to the heart.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Ennasti]

Thank you for that information, it’s very helpful.

[Ennasti in reply to Mfaepink1973]

I have an LBBB which can be there all the time for months on end, then it goes back to being intermittent. No damage yet and I’m monitored. I also have other electrical issues.

[Kittywell]

Hi All. I have a question relating to LBBB as my GP did an ECG on me yesterday to check things, after the episode the other week where the paramedics ECG showed it was bundled on the left side of my heart, and he text me to say it was normal.

If you have had a bundled ECG, can others show up normal or should it still show bundled on there?

[Bubble-t]

I was diagnosed with LBBB in 2012 and after many tests was told there was no problems with my heart. That LBBB would only give me an atypical ECG. However, two weeks ago at age 58, I was diagnosed with heart failure, an enlarged heart, and an EF of 15-20%. I was shocked as I have a fairly healthy lifestyle. Also routine blood tests at the end of last year showed no health issues.

I am now on a lot of medication and will have to have a pacemaker fitted. The consultant told me LBBB was once considered benign but clearly it isn't. Had I known the dangers I would have been able to have my condition monitored. The most frightening thing is my current condition was only discovered as I thought I had had a heart attack and went to A&E. I dread to think what would have happened if it hadn't been picked up. I just thought I was unfit - it never occurred to me it was my heart was failing.

Obviously LBBB is a more dangerous condition than previously thought.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Bubble-t]

I was told exactly the same thing after a load of tests. What made you think you had had a heart attack? Did you have any other symptoms? I think once diagnosed with LBBB there should be regular check ups and we shouldn’t be told it’s nothing to worry about.

[Bubble-t in reply to Mfaepink1973]

I completely agree with you about regular check ups. Like you though, I was just told I was fine and that was it.

I had no heart related symptoms, although I had been tired for a long time. I had put this down to menopause and had been trying HRT to help this. I felt like I needed to build my fitness up - that kind of weary feeling.

On the day I took ill I had severe jaw pain and tightness across my chest. I really went to A&E to rule anything out really. However, blood tests showed high troponin levels which is usually an indication of a heart attack. I was then treated for this until the angiogram showed no blockages.

Before this event I hadn't even thought about heart problems and my husband reminded me to mention the LBBB. It wasn't on my radar at all. I wish I'd had more information.

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Bubble-t]

Thanks, I’ve been feeling tired for the last six months or more but put it down to my Polymyalgia and being on steroids for the last 16 months. I’ll ask my GP if he will refer me to a cardiologist and if he won’t I think I’ll arrange to see one privately.

Best wishes for your future health

Pauline

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Mfaepink1973]

Hi Just wondered how things have gone?

I've been diagnosed with LBBB and just waiting to hear from hospital

[Mfaepink1973 in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

I spoke to the doctor and he said it was nothing to worry about unless I had chest pain, breathlessness or palpitations. Would still like a second opinion in view of other replies on here but not sure how to go about it. I had a knee operation four weeks ago under general anaesthetic and the anaesthetist wasn’t concerned about it.

[Marionfromhappydays in reply to Mfaepink1973]

Thanks for your reply, hope your operation went well.

Reading some of the replies here it does make you wonder if it's prudent to get an annual check with a cardiologist (guessing that would have to be be done privately) .

I've literally just had my diagnosis and GP referred my echo to cardiologist so will see what that brings .

Thanks for your reply

[PinkKizzie]

Hi Mfaepink1973, I only discovered I had LBBB and left ventricle impairment when I received a copy of a letter the cardiac consultant sent to my GP after my echo. I'm still not sure what it is. My EF is 25%, I feel well, keep active, but obviously get tired and breathless sometimes, but I can cope with that. I take lots of medication. Keep well.

[FestivalVibes]

hi … I too was diagnosed with LBBB in 2018, and after extensive tests (including an angiogram) was told it was nothing to worry about. However, I’ve recently had a ECG and Echo following a BP test at the pharmacy and it now seems I have an extensive regional wall motion abnormality. Seeing a cardiologist in December, but I’m now thinking the LBBB may have had something to do with the RWMA. Surely LBBB is like a car engine that’s misfiring, in that it will eventually cause the engine to fail 🤔 Wishing now I’d asked more questions seven years ago, but at that time I was more than happy with the ‘nothing to worry about’ diagnosis 🙁