Evaluation of Risk Factors in Predicting Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Left Bundle Branch Block

Abstract

This retrospective study examined whether classical risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) could also be used to predict CAD in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). Clinical and demographic features were studied in patients with/without CAD who presented with LBBB on their surface electrocardiograms and had undergone coronary angiography. Of the 312 patients with LBBB, 161 (51.6%) had CAD. Patients with CAD were more likely to be older, male, have CAD risk factors and to be taking acetylsalicylic acid or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. A model with six independent variables (family history, smoking, angina, advanced age, hypertension and total cholesterol levels) was statistically significant in predicting CAD in patients with LBBB, with an ability to predict patients with and without CAD of 87.1% and 90.6%, respectively. Predictors of CAD in patients with LBBB are consistent with classical risk factors and may help the accurate prediction of patients with CAD.