A right bundle branch block may indicate what condition?

A right bundle branch block (RBBB) occurs when there is a delay or blockage in the electrical conduction pathway to the right ventricle of the heart. This condition can be indicative of several heart issues, but it is particularly associated with right heart strain, which can occur in conditions that increase the workload on the right side of the heart.

Right heart strain is typically seen in conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or conditions affecting the pulmonary circulation. When the right ventricle is under increased stress, it can lead to changes in the electrical conduction system, resulting in an RBBB.

Recognizing right heart strain through the presence of an RBBB can help clinicians identify underlying causes that may need to be addressed, such as right ventricular hypertrophy or pulmonary artery issues.

While a myocardial infarction might affect conduction pathways, it more commonly results in left bundle branch block when it does. An interruptive conduction defect is a broader category that includes various electrical conduction issues, and while it could theoretically include RBBB, it does not specifically indicate a condition. Heart valve disease can lead to bundle branch blocks, but this is more often associated with left-sided diseases. Thus, right heart strain is the most