Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Right Bundle Branch Block
Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a problem with the way that electrical impulses pass through the heart (electrical conduction abnormality). The heart depends on an electrical pulse to beat normally. The electrical signal for a heartbeat starts in the upper chambers of the heart (atria) and then travels to the two lower chambers (left and rightventricles). An RBBB is a partial or complete block of the pathway that carries the signal to the right ventricle. If you have RBBB, the right side of your heart beats a little more slowly than the left side.
RBBB may be a warning of heart disease or a lung problem.
What are the causes?
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Heart attack (myocardial infarction).
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Being born with a heart defect (congenital heart disease).
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A blood clot that flows into the lung (pulmonary embolism).
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Infection of heart muscle (myocarditis).
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High blood pressure.
In some cases, the cause may not be known.
What increases the risk?
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Being male.
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Being 50 years of age or older.
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Having heart disease.
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Having had a heart attack or heart surgery.
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Having an enlarged heart.
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Having a hole in the walls between the chambers of the heart (septal defect).
What are the signs or symptoms?
This condition does not typically cause symptoms.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition may be diagnosed based on an electrocardiogram (ECG). It is often diagnosed when an ECG is done as part of a routine physical.
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Chest X-rays.
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Echocardiogram.
How is this treated?
Treatment may not be needed for this condition if you do not have symptoms or any other heart problems. However, you may need to see your health care provider more often because RBBB can be a warning sign of future heart or lung problems. You may need treatment for another condition that may be causing RBBB.
Follow these instructions at home:
Lifestyle
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
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Follow a heart-healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight. Work with a dietitian to create an eating plan that is best for you.
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Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.
Activity
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Get regular exercise as told by your health care provider.
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Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
General instructions
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You are light-headed.
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You faint.
Get help right away if:
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You have chest pain.
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You have trouble breathing.
These symptoms may represent a serious problem that is an emergency. Do not wait to see if the symptoms will go away. Get medical help right away. Call your local emergency services (911 in the U.S.). Do not drive yourself to the hospital.
Summary
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For the heart to beat normally, an electrical signal must travel to the heart’s lower right chamber. Right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a partial or complete block of the pathway that carries that signal.
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This condition does not typically cause symptoms.
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Treatment may not be needed for RBBB if you do not have symptoms or any other heart problems.
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You may need to see your health care provider more often because RBBB can be a warning sign of future heart or lung problems.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
