Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 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
Cardiac resynchronization therapy in mildly symptomatic heart failure: the earlier the better
Sean Balmain1, Michael A McDonald
1Division of Cardiology, University Health Network and Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, 600 University Avenue, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Insights
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment for heart failure patients, now showing promise even in mild cases. Expanding CRT indications offers new hope for improving patient outcomes across the heart failure spectrum.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment for moderate-to-severe heart failure.
- CRT improves mortality and functional capacity in patients with left ventricular systolic impairment and prolonged QRS duration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the expanding indications for CRT in heart failure treatment.
- To assess the potential of pacemaker technology across the heart failure continuum.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent evidence on CRT efficacy.
- Analysis of patient outcomes in mild heart failure.
Main Results:
- Recent evidence supports CRT as effective for mild heart failure.
- CRT indications are expanding, offering potential benefits across the heart failure spectrum.
Conclusions:
- CRT is increasingly recognized for its efficacy beyond moderate-to-severe heart failure.
- Future applications of CRT require careful consideration of healthcare resource limitations.
Abstract:
A new era is emerging in the field of complex pacing as a treatment for heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is already established as an effective therapy to improve mortality and functional capacity in patients with moderate-severe heart failure, left ventricular systolic impairment and conduction delay (prolonged QRS duration on surface ECG). Recent evidence has demonstrated that CRT is also an effective treatment for patients with mild heart failure. As the indications for CRT expand, cardiologists face the exciting prospect of exploring where pacemaker technology can help improve patient outcomes across the entire heart failure disease continuum. Enthusiasm for future application needs to be tempered with the practicalities of delivering safe and effective care within the confines of finite healthcare resources.
Related Concept Videos
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management
Heart Failure V: Medical Management
