Case Report: Exercise-induced normalization of chronic left bundle branch block: a rare recovery-phase phenomenon

TL;DR

An 83-year-old man with chronic heart issues showed rare recovery of a heart conduction problem after exercise, suggesting a possible link between physical activity and heart function improvement.

Contribution

This case report documents a rare instance of exercise-induced normalization of chronic left bundle branch block.

Findings

ECG monitoring showed normalization of LBBB with first-degree AV block during the recovery phase of exercise.

Stress echocardiography revealed improved ventricular function following exertion in a patient with longstanding heart disease.

Abstract

Transient left bundle branch block (LBBB) is associated with various cardiac and systemic conditions, including exercise-induced ischemia. However, normalization of baseline LBBB following exertion is a rare and poorly understood phenomenon.

We report the case of an 83-year-old male with longstanding coronary artery disease and baseline LBBB who underwent a routine stress echocardiogram. During the recovery phase, ECG monitoring revealed normalization of LBBB with first-degree AV block. Concurrent stress echocardiography showed improved segmental and global ventricular function.

This case highlights a rare instance of post-exercise resolution of LBBB and suggests a possible link between exercise-induced autonomic modulation and transient improvement in conduction. Further research is warranted to explore the prognostic significance of this finding in patients with structural heart disease.

Figures