Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
Published on: December 11, 2017
Hemodynamic changes during cardiac resynchronization therapy
H Nägele1, M Azizi, M A Castel
1Medizinische Klinik, Krankenhaus Reinbek, St. Adolfstift, Hamburger Str. 41, D-21465 Reinbek. naegele@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Insights
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves central hemodynamics in heart failure patients. This study found reduced pressures and improved cardiac function six months after CRT device implantation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Heart Failure Management
Background:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an emerging treatment for heart failure patients with conduction delays.
- The long-term effects of CRT on central hemodynamics require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of CRT on central hemodynamics in heart failure patients.
- To assess changes in cardiac function and pressures six months post-CRT implantation.
Main Methods:
- Right heart catheterization was performed on 31 heart failure patients before and 6 months after CRT device implantation.
- Hemodynamic parameters, including pressures and vascular resistance, were measured at rest and during exercise (25 watts).
- Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels were also assessed.
Main Results:
- Patients showed significant improvements in NYHA functional class and LVEF post-CRT.
- Reduced right atrial (RA), pulmonary artery (PA), and pulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) pressures were observed.
- Pulmonary vascular resistance, heart rate, and mean arterial pressure also showed favorable changes.
- Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels decreased, indicating reduced cardiac strain.
Conclusions:
- CRT significantly improves central hemodynamics in heart failure patients.
- The therapy leads to enhanced cardiac function and reduced filling pressures six months after implantation.
- CRT offers benefits beyond ventricular coordination, positively impacting overall cardiovascular status.
Abstract:
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a new method for the correction of inter- and/or intraventricular conduction delays of patients with heart failure. The long-term impact of CRT on central hemodynamics is not fully characterized. We performed complete right heart catheterization studies in 31 patients receiving a CRT device pre and 6 months after implantation. Most of the patients improved in their NYHA stage, their LVEF, and in parallel showed reduced right atrial (RA) pulmonary artery (PA) and pulmonary capillary wedge (PCW) pressures and pulmonary vascular resistance both at rest and at 25 watts. In addition, we found a reduction in heart rate accompanied by an increased mean arterial pressure both at rest and at 25 watts. Accordingly, brain natriuretic peptide levels (BNP) were lowered. It was concluded that, besides other well-known effects on ventricular coordination, central hemodynamics after 6 months were improved during CRT.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Heart Failure Drugs: Inhibitors of Renin-Angiotensin System
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send blood...
Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
