A lot of patients with LBBB have queries about whether they can have caffeine. Before discussing caffeine and the left bundle branch block, we will discuss LBBB first.

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Left bundle branch block

The left bundle branch block is commonly abbreviated as LBBB. It is one of the common abnormal findings on an electrocardiogram or ECG.

LBBB occurs if there is damage to the left bundle branch in the heart.

What is the left bundle?

The left bundle is a part of the conduction system of the heart. The conduction system allows the rapid spread of the impulse originating from the sinus node in the right atrium to the rest of the heart. His bundle (between the upper and lower chambers) splits into two bundle branches. The left bundle branch sends impulses to the left ventricle, while the right bundle branch sends impulses to the right ventricle. So left ventricle gets depolarised through muscle-to-muscle conduction, not through a specialized conduction system. Hence, In LBBB, the left ventricle takes more time to depolarise. Hence QRS, which represents ventricular depolarization, is prolonged in LBBB.

LBBB- significance

LBBB affects less than 1% of the general population. But, more than one-third of heart patients do have LBBB. Up to 70% of those who develop LBBB have prior ECG evidence of left ventricular hypertrophy. Fewer than 10% of LBBB individuals have no heart disease.

In persons even without heart disease, LBBB is associated with a higher-than-normal risk of death, heart attack, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias.

Caffeine and the left bundle branch block

Although coffee and tea are associated with caffeine, these beverages also have additional beneficial chemicals called phytochemicals.

Occasional Caffeinated coffee can raises blood pressure, heart rate, and glucose intolerance in the short term, while regular coffee consumption has little effect on BP or glucose metabolism. In a few studies, frequent coffee use is linked to lower diabetes, heart attacks, Brain strokes, and heart failure.

So caffeine is not directly related to a major heart problem

Does giving caffeine increase the chance of a left bundle branch block?

Till now, no trial or study has shown that caffeine intake is directly associated with the left bundle branch block.

Can people with a left bundle branch block drink caffeine??

Yes. Caffeine intake is safe in patients with LBBB and normal heart. Having two to three cups of coffee daily is OK for patients with LBBB and heart diseases.