Complete right bundle branch block is a type of arrhythmia that can be caused by heart disease and is the more common type of intraventricular block. It is also seen in normal people.
Normal electrical impulses are sent from the sinoatrial node, and the impulses are transmitted from the interconnecting bundle down to the atrioventricular node, through the atrioventricular node to the left and right bundle branches, and then finally to the Purkinje fibrous network, which causes sequential contractions of the heart. Right bundle branch block occurs when the right bundle branch electrical conduction is abnormal and blocked.
After right bundle branch block occurs, the electrical impulse cannot directly excite the right ventricle from the AV node through the right bundle branch, but it can still be transmitted through the left ventricle to the right ventricle, causing right ventricular contraction, but with a delayed timing.
Simple complete right bundle branch block is usually asymptomatic and can be seen in healthy individuals. It can be seen in pathologic states such as rheumatic heart disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease, pulmonary heart disease, and congenital heart disease with atrial septal defect.
People with complete right bundle branch block are advised to go to the hospital promptly if they experience any physical discomfort.