What is the indication of a “widened QRS complex” in a patient with a history of coronary artery disease?

A widened QRS complex typically signifies that there is a delay in the electrical conduction through the ventricles. In patients with a history of coronary artery disease, this can often be attributed to the presence of a bundle branch block. A bundle branch block occurs when there is a blockage in one of the pathways that conduct electrical signals within the ventricles, which leads to a slower and wider depolarization of the heart muscle.

In this context, the significance of the widened QRS complex can often lead healthcare providers to investigate for underlying heart conditions, such as ischemia or structural heart changes associated with coronary artery disease. While other options might indicate important cardiac concerns, the presence of a bundle branch block is a common and well-established interpretation of a widened QRS in this patient population, making it the appropriate choice in this scenario.