What is the consequence of a bundle branch block?

The consequence of a bundle branch block is that the ventricles beat at a different rate than the atria. In a healthy heart, electrical impulses travel through the conduction system in a coordinated manner, allowing for synchronized contractions of the atria and ventricles. However, in the case of a bundle branch block, there is a disruption in the conduction pathway that affects how quickly and efficiently the electrical signals reach the ventricles.

This disruption means that one of the ventricles may contract later than the other, leading to asynchronous contractions. As a result, the rate at which the ventricles beat can differ from the rate at which the atria beat. This asynchrony can result in decreased cardiac efficiency and may lead to symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, or even heart failure in severe cases.

The other potential consequences provided do not accurately describe a bundle branch block. The atria and ventricles typically do not beat in sync with a bundle branch block, nor does the condition cause a complete cessation of heartbeats or an increased heart rate above normal. Instead, it specifically leads to the ventricular rate being potentially altered in relation to the atrial rate due to the delay in impulse conduction.