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Cardiac resynchronization therapy for heart failure: biventricular pacing and beyond
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Gill Heart Institute, Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation Program, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky 49536, USA. wtabra2@uky.edu
Current Opinion in Cardiology
|August 2, 2002
Summary
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves heart failure symptoms and function. Recent studies validate CRT
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Early pacing attempts for dilated cardiomyopathy yielded mixed results.
- Insights into electromechanical consequences of heart failure informed new pacing strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of pacing in heart failure.
- To discuss mechanisms and clinical outcomes of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
Main Methods:
- Review of historical pacing trials and recent clinical studies on CRT.
- Analysis of data on symptomatic, hemodynamic, and functional improvements.
Main Results:
- CRT demonstrates safety and efficacy in advanced heart failure.
- Statistically significant improvements observed in ejection fraction, NYHA class, exercise tolerance, and quality of life.
Conclusions:
- CRT offers substantial benefits for patients with advanced heart failure.
- Ongoing trials will confirm reductions in morbidity and mortality.