Laughter-induced left bundle branch block

J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2012 Oct;23(10):1136-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8167.2012.02296.x. Epub 2012 Apr 11.

Abstract

We present the case of a patient with ischemic heart disease and intermittent left bundle branch block, reproducibly induced by laughter. Following treatment of ischemia with successful deployment of a drug-eluting stent, no further episodes of inducible LBBB were seen. Transient ischemia, exacerbated by elevated intrathoracic pressure during laughter, may have contributed to onset of this phenomenon.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Bundle-Branch Block / diagnosis
  • Bundle-Branch Block / etiology*
  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology
  • Drug-Eluting Stents
  • Electrocardiography
  • Humans
  • Laughter*
  • Male
  • Myocardial Ischemia / complications*
  • Myocardial Ischemia / diagnosis
  • Myocardial Ischemia / therapy
  • Percutaneous Coronary Intervention / instrumentation
  • Pressure
  • Treatment Outcome