Atrial Fibrillation During Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Mariëlle Kloosterman1, Alexander H Maass1, Michiel Rienstra1
1Department of Cardiology, Thoraxcenter, University Medical Center Groningen, PO Box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands.
Insights
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) shows reduced efficacy in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Effective biventricular pacing is crucial for managing AF patients undergoing CRT.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Landmark trials for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) primarily included patients in sinus rhythm.
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is highly prevalent (20-40%) in patients receiving CRT, yet its impact on CRT efficacy is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the detrimental effects of AF on CRT response.
- To discuss management strategies for patients with AF undergoing CRT.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating CRT in patients with AF.
- Analysis of factors influencing CRT response in the presence of AF.
Main Results:
- AF significantly impacts the effectiveness of CRT.
- Uncertainty exists regarding the AF burden thresholds that diminish CRT response.
Conclusions:
- Successful biventricular pacing is essential for optimizing CRT outcomes in AF patients.
- Further research is needed to define AF burden thresholds and refine management strategies.
Abstract:
The landmark trials on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have focused on patients with sinus rhythm at inclusion. Little data are available on the efficacy of CRT in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), while AF has a high prevalence (20-40%) among patients receiving CRT. This review focuses on the detrimental effect of AF on CRT response and discusses management of patients with AF during CRT. Uncertainty remains as to which thresholds of AF burden can lead to a reduced response to CRT and every effort should be made in trying to assess and guarantee successful biventricular pacing in patients with AF.
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