Question about IRBBB

[Tom19]

Hi, im a 19 y\o with a few questions regarding IRBBB. When I was 16, I developed some aniexty, needless to say it got out of control, and I was certain I had something wrong with my heart. Anyways, I had some tests done back when I developed this. I had numerious, ekg`s, a echocardiogran, stress test, blood tests, and I wore a holter monitar for 24 hours. As far as they told me, I had a IRBBB and that was it, it wasnt nothing to worry about and it was most likely something i was born with. I also have a few other upper body abnormalities, nothing too concerning, just my chest indented, not alot but its fairly noticeable.

Anyways, lately iv been going through aniexty symptoms again, and im concerned maybe they missed something on those tests. I looked IRBBB up and I read about alot of people having it, and it being nothing. I also read some heart problems that cause it.

I guess my question is, am I a little too concerned about this? Is IRBBB really a normal finding? Or could the doctors iv seen missed this? I had a cardioglist give me the echo\stress test, could he too have missed something? Right now im not too worried about it, but I would just like some feedback on what this really is, and could it just be a normal finding?

[Fil411]

I am 57 and I went to give blood last week.  They rejected me because of an irregular heart beat.  Feeling my pulse, it seems as if my heart skips a beat every few beats.  Is this something common with RBBB?  Well, later that same day my doctor agreed to see me and he ran an EKG.  The next day he called and said I have RBBB and he will see me for my regular physical in five months.  It scares me when I feel my heart missing beats and to be told my heart isn't sending electric signals like everybody else's heart.  Now I am afraid to excercise and do anything strenuous.  

[shell1925]

Hello,

I also have IRBBB, I was just in the ER with jaw numbness and left arm pain (found nothing) and it again showed up on my EKG.  I asked the ER doctor if it is true that it is really normal and he told me yes.  It has shown up on all of my EKG's and I have been told it is more than likely a congential condition that I was born with.  I have had numerous EKG's, echo's, stress echo's and even a nuclear stress echo.  I wish you luck and try not to let the anxiety get the best of you!

Shell

[erijon]

As kenkeith has stated, in the presence of a structureally normal heart, and IRBBB is almost always of little or no prognostic value. The real dander is with and LBBB. I have an IRBBB and that's what I was told by my cardiologist as well. In fact, I noticed it on an EKG and asked my doctor whu he did not tell me about it and he responded that when everything else is normal he normally won't tell his patients about a finding for a IRBBB, it tends to cause way more concern than is necessary.

Good Luck!

Jon

[kenkeith]

For an insight, the EKG would be the test for medical condition in question.  Sometimes either the right or the left bundle branch conducts the electrical impulse more slowly than normal, but is not completely blocked. When this occurs, on the side of the slow conduction, the electrical impulse arrives in the ventricle slightly later than normal. As a result, the QRS complex is slightly wider than normal, but not as wide as it would be with a complete BBB. This slight widening of the QRS is often called incomplete BBB.  Apparently, the EKG trace is slightly longer (time interval) by conducting slower.

However, an Incomplete bundle branch block sometimes indicates underlying heart disease. But, especially when it occurs on the right side (i.e., incomplete RBBB,) it often has no significance at all. So in general, incomplete bundle branch block should trigger a non-invasive search for underlying heart disease. According to your post this was done.

Also, an EKG (12 lead) provides information regarding the heart's orientation with electrical axis determination that may be caused by chest cavity size or formation (chest indented).  Axis deviation can be the problem and of no significance based on ultrasound visualization and your doctor's lack of concern.  

[momtofourboys]

My 4 year old ahs not ahd any inssues with his RBBB they said it is a complete one. he does however have other heart issues going on.
I feel that maybe you should get a 2nd opinion. it couldn't hurt. good luck
Michelle

[Tom19]

Yes, I have a IRBBB, which in terms means Incomplete Right Bundle Branch Block.

[momtofourboys]

I am not sure if you are talking about a right bundle branch block. if that is the csae then it isn't something to really worry about, but I follow up with a cardiologist if you are really scared. my 4 year old ahs had a right bundle since he was born. they say it is rare that a RBBB causes issues.
good luck and if you feel like maybe you should get a 2nd opinion just so you can know
Michelle