What is dyssynchrony of contraction primarily caused by?

Dyssynchrony of contraction primarily occurs due to bundle branch block. In this condition, the electrical conduction pathway within the heart is disrupted, particularly in the left or right bundle branch. This interruption causes an asynchronous contraction of the ventricles, leading to inefficient pumping action and reduced cardiac output.

When one ventricle contracts later than the other, it creates a delay in the overall timing of the heart's pumping efficiency. This can worsen heart failure symptoms, as the heart struggles to meet the body's demands for blood and oxygen due to this lack of coordinated contraction. Understanding the mechanisms of bundle branch block helps in recognizing how dyssynchrony affects overall heart function and why it is a critical consideration in heart failure management. Other conditions, while they may impact heart function, do not primarily cause the characteristic dyssynchrony seen in bundle branch block.