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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in an Asynchronous Heart Failure Model Induced by Left Bundle Branch Ablation and Rapid Pacing
12:45

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

Burden of atrial fibrillation after cardiac resynchronization therapy

Evan C Adelstein1, Samir Saba

  • 1Cardiovascular Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|July 17, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) did not reduce atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in heart failure (HF) patients. However, CRT may delay the onset of new AF in some individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Electrophysiology
  • Heart Failure Management

Background:

  • Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common complication in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is a treatment for HF that can improve cardiac function.
  • The effect of CRT on AF burden in HF patients remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of CRT on atrial fibrillation (AF) burden in patients with chronic heart failure (HF).
  • To compare AF burden between CRT responders, nonresponders, and a control group.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 27 patients who underwent CRT implantation without permanent AF.
  • Patients were matched with CRT responders and nonresponders based on clinical characteristics.
  • Device-documented high atrial rates and mode-switching episodes were analyzed over a median follow-up of 386 days.

Main Results:

  • CRT responders showed significant improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and NYHA functional class.
  • No significant difference in AF burden was observed between CRT patients and controls.
  • AF-free follow-up was longer in CRT patients without a prior history of AF.

Conclusions:

  • Despite improving cardiac function and clinical status, CRT does not appear to decrease AF burden in HF patients.
  • CRT may potentially delay the onset of new-onset AF in certain patient populations.

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