What is a right bundle branch block in the heart?

A right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a condition that affects the electrical conduction system of the heart. In a normal heart rhythm, electrical impulses are generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node and then travel through the atria to the atrioventricular (AV) node. From the AV node, the impulses typically travel down the specialized conduction pathways known as the bundle branches, which are located within the ventricles. These branches ensure that the ventricles contract in a coordinated manner. In the case of an RBBB, the right bundle branch is blocked or damaged, which means that the electrical impulses cannot travel through this pathway as they normally would. As a result, the right ventricle is not directly activated by the impulses traveling through the right bundle branch. However, the left ventricle is still normally activated by the left bundle branch, which remains unaffected. This blockage can cause the right ventricle to contract later than the left ventricle, which can sometimes lead to a delay in the overall contraction of the heart. RBBB can be seen in healthy individuals, especially athletes, but it can also be associated with various heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects. It's important to note that the presence of an RBBB on an electrocardiogram (ECG) should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to determine its cause and whether it is a benign finding or indicative of an underlying heart problem.

A right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a heart block in the electrical conduction system. During a right bundle branch block, the right ventricle is not directly activated by impulses travelling through the right bundle branch. The left ventricle however, is still normally activated by the left bundle branch.