What is a bundle branch block?

A bundle branch block refers to a defect in the heart's conduction system, specifically involving the electrical pathways that transmit signals through the heart muscle. The heart's electrical system controls the timing and sequence of heartbeats, ensuring that the chambers contract in a coordinated manner to effectively pump blood.

In a bundle branch block, one of the branches that conducts electrical impulses from the atrioventricular (AV) node down to the ventricles is impaired. This can result in a delay or complete blockage of electrical signals to one of the ventricles, which may lead to an abnormal heart rhythm and reduce the efficiency of the heart's pumping action.

Recognizing and understanding bundle branch blocks is crucial in telemetry and cardiovascular care, as they can have significant implications for a patient's heart function and overall health. They may also indicate underlying heart conditions that require further assessment and management.

Other options presented do not accurately describe a bundle branch block; they relate to different medical conditions or procedures unrelated to the heart's conduction system.