My Dad, aged 52, had open heart surgery about 16 years ago to replace his right aortic valve with a metal one. Recently at a regular check up he was diagnosed with Right Bundle Branch Blockage. He is in good health otherwise - blood pressure approximately 146/90, excersises everyday, 6'3 tall and 185 pounds. I was wondering if scar tissue formed as a result of his previous surgery could be a probable cause for this problem? Thanks!"

Thanks for the question. From what I gather of your question, your father did not have a Right Bundle Branch Block (RBBB) immediately after the surgery or for the past several years. Although it is possible for open heart surgeries to cause scarring that could lead to RBBB, the most common cause is scarring from the aging process.

This type of block occurs in the electrical conduction system of the heart, the part that coordinates the heart’s contraction. The right bundle is one of the smaller and thinner pathways of the system. Over time, it undergoes aging and scarring just like the rest of the body. RBBB can occur traumatically such as by open heart surgery or gradually from scarring of the surrounding tissue or the conduction system itself. Usually, if the patient does not have any symptoms of lightheadedness or dizziness, palpitations, or fainting spells, the RBBB is just a finding on an electrocardiogram (ECG) of no consequence.

I hope this helps. Do check with you doctor, however.

Thanks,

Dr. Fung

-- Dr. Gordon Fung, MD, MPH, is a cardiologist and associate clinical professor of medicine at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center at Mt. Zion.

First published June 2, 2005
Last updated June 24, 2008
Copyright © 2005 Consumer Health Interactive