Bifascicular Block

Causes of bifascicular block 

Bifascicular block can be caused by: 

• Heart disease, including coronary artery disease and heart attacks, that damage the conduction system.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to changes in the heart's structure and function.
• Degenerative diseases of the heart’s conduction system, such as idiopathic fibrosis.
• Previous heart surgery or trauma to the heart's electrical pathways.
• Electrolyte imbalances that interfere with normal heart conduction. 

Risk factors for bifascicular block 

Risk factors for developing bifascicular block include: 

• History of coronary artery disease or experiencing heart attacks. 
• People who have high blood pressure. 
• Being elderly, as the risk will increase over time. 
• If you have a family history of heart disease or conduction disorders. 
• Having diabetes. 

Symptoms of bifascicular block 

In many cases, bifascicular block may not present symptoms that are easily noticeable or identifiable. However, it can cause: 

• Dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when you’re physically active. 
• Fatigue or experiencing a feeling of weakness. 
• Fainting. 
• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats.  

Diagnosing bifascicular block 

Bifascicular block is typically diagnosed with running diagnostic tests. These will happen at your cardiologist’s office or with your primary care physician, depending on their facilities: 

• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). These tests reveal abnormal conduction patterns in the heart. 
• Echocardiograms are used to assess heart structure and function. These are only necessary in some cases. 

Additional tests may be required or recommended to evaluate the presence of any underlying heart disease or problems with the structure of your heart. 

Treatment of bifascicular block 

Treatment for bifascicular block will depend on the severity and symptoms. Some common treatment options can include: 

• Monitoring and lifestyle changes if the condition is mild and not causing debilitating symptoms. 
• Medications that manage underlying heart conditions, like high blood pressure or coronary artery disease. 
• In more severe cases, patients may need to use a pacemaker, especially if the block causes significant slowing of the heart rate or other complications.