Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart FailureAbrahamWilliam T.BaligaRagavendra R. eds 208 pages. Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. $145.00. ISBN 0-7817-9844-2

William T. Abraham, Ragavendra R. Baliga eds 208 pages. Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2010. $145.00. ISBN 0-7817-9844-2Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure is a compilation of state-of-the-art reviews about various aspects of the use of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure. The editors, Dr Abraham and Dr Baliga, collected and combined contributions from some of the best experts in the field. As mentioned in their preface, large randomized trials have unequivocally demonstrated that CRT improves clinical status, functional capacity, and survival in patients with heart failure and dyssynchrony. Yet, and even despite a class I indication since 2005, there is a reluctance by many cardiologists to apply this therapy. The editors refer to a study by Piccini et al,1 which indicates that the therapy currently has a penetration of only 40% in the indicated population. Because this was a study in the United States, where device implantations occur more frequently than in most other countries worldwide, the CRT penetration may be even lower. Possible explanations are the relative youth of CRT as well as the fact that CRT is an unusual kind of therapy for personnel treating heart failure, in the sense that it uses electric stimulation to improve cardiac pump function.Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Heart Failure is a book that is attractive and understandable for many medical professionals involved in the treatment of heart failure, whether or not they are already involved in treating patients with CRT. It provides exactly what is promised in the title: a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of …