Hello, I'm an expert in cardiology with a focus on electrophysiology. I can provide you with information on the causes of left bundle branch block (LBBB).
Left bundle branch block is a condition where the left bundle branch, which is a part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, is blocked or damaged. This blockage can occur due to various reasons:
1. Coronary artery disease (CAD): This is the most common cause of LBBB. When the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked, it can lead to damage in the area of the left bundle branch.
2. Hypertensive heart disease: Long-term high blood pressure can cause changes in the heart's structure, leading to LBBB.
3. Valvular heart disease: Conditions affecting the heart's valves, such as aortic stenosis or mitral regurgitation, can also result in LBBB.
4. Cardiomyopathy: This is a disease of the heart muscle itself, which can lead to LBBB.
5. Congenital heart disease: Some people are born with a malformed electrical conduction system, which can include LBBB.
6. Inflammatory heart diseases: Conditions like myocarditis or endocarditis can cause inflammation that leads to LBBB.
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Infiltrative heart diseases: Diseases that cause abnormal deposits in the heart, such as amyloidosis, can also affect the conduction system.
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Other causes: Trauma, surgical procedures, or even certain medications can also lead to LBBB.
It's important to note that LBBB can also be seen in individuals without any identifiable heart disease, known as a **non-specific intraventricular conduction delay**.
Diagnosis typically involves an electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess the heart's electrical activity and may require further testing to determine the underlying cause.
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