When it comes to heart health, you may have never heard of Bundle Branch Block or BBB, but it's a relatively frequent finding on an electrocardiogram.

Cardiologist David Bailey explains that the bundle branches are an important part of the cardiac electrical system. A block in one of those branches "When it becomes blocked, there's usually a delaying signal, either on one side or the other side of the heart."

Registered Nurse David Jones says someone with a bundle branch block normally has no symptoms, however when an electrocardiogram is performed, it will show up as an abnormality. "On the EKG on a pattern where we can say, yes the electrical energy on this side of the heart is moving faster or moving slower."

Dr. Bailey says that sometimes BBB itself needs to be treated; sometimes it indicates significant underlying cardiac disease that needs to be treated; or it can have so little significance that no treatment is necessary at all. "Sometimes it's there and it's a long standing issue and may as well be left alone, we get more concerned if it's fresh and the patient has some symptoms."

So the major significance of BBB is that it may indicate the presence of previously unknown underlying cardiovascular disease. So if this is discovered on your EKG - a look for underlying disease is normally carried out.

And if you have a bundle branch block, your physician will want to see you regularly to be sure no other changes occur.