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Cardiac resynchronization therapy: effects on left and right ventricular ejection fraction during exercise.
Giuseppe Boriani1, Francesco Fallani, Cristian Martignani
1Institute of Cardiology, University of Bologna. Bologna, Italy. cardio1@med.unibo.it
Pacing and Clinical Electrophysiology : PACE
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) significantly improves heart failure symptoms and left ventricular function in patients with wide QRS complex. However, CRT did not enhance right ventricular function in this 3-month study.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Heart failure with wide QRS complex often leads to poor cardiac function.
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment option for these patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 3-month effects of CRT on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) ejection fraction (EF) and LV volumes.
- To assess cardiac performance at rest and during exercise after CRT implantation.
Main Methods:
- 15 patients with severe heart failure and wide QRS received CRT.
- Cardiac function was assessed using radionuclide angiography at baseline and 3 months post-implantation.
- Exercise testing was performed on a bicycle ergometer.
Main Results:
- Significant improvement in New York Heart Association functional class observed.
- CRT led to decreased LV volumes and increased LVEF at rest and during exercise.
- No significant improvement in RVEF was noted; RV function did not correlate with LV function.
Conclusions:
- CRT effectively improves LV function and reduces volumes in heart failure patients with wide QRS.
- CRT does not appear to improve RV function in the short term.