What does a right bundle branch block mean?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain what a right bundle branch block (RBBB) means. A right bundle branch block (RBBB) is a condition that affects the electrical conduction system of the heart. In a healthy heart, electrical impulses are generated by the sinoatrial (SA) node, which is the heart's natural pacemaker. These impulses travel through the atria, causing them to contract and pump blood into the ventricles. The impulses then reach the atrioventricular (AV) node, which is the only electrical pathway between the atria and ventricles. From the AV node, the impulses typically travel down the bundle of His, which divides into the left and right bundle branches. These branches ensure that the ventricles contract in a coordinated manner. However, in the case of an RBBB, there is a blockage or delay in the electrical signal as it travels through the right bundle branch. This delay causes the right ventricle to contract later than the left ventricle, which can sometimes be a normal variant, especially in athletes. However, an RBBB can also be associated with underlying heart conditions such as congenital heart disease, valvular heart disease, or coronary artery disease. It can also be a sign of a previous heart attack if the blockage is in a specific area of the right ventricular wall. Diagnosis of RBBB is made by reviewing the patient's electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which will show the characteristic pattern of delayed activation of the right ventricle. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. If there is no heart disease, no treatment may be necessary. However, if the RBBB is due to a heart condition, treatment may include medication, lifestyle changes, or even surgery.

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.