Analysis and Interpretation of the Electrocardiogram
Left bundle branch block
In left bundle branch block, activation of the intraventricular septum is reversed and electrical impulses to the left ventricle are delayed. These altered electrical forces produce a wide QRS complex (greater than 0.12 seconds in duration) with an abnormal morphology. In leads I and V6, abnormal initial forces fail to produce any Q wave or S wave, and the resultant R wave is steep and often notched (circled below). Furthermore, a deep rapid S wave is generated in lead V1 (arrow below). The ST segment is slightly elevated in multiple leads and the T wave polarity is diffusely opposite to the ventricular complex.