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Cardiac resynchronization therapy: a breakthrough in heart failure management
Author(s) -
Ståhlberg M.,
Lund L. H.,
Zabarovskaja S.,
Gadler F.,
Braunschweig F.,
Linde C.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2012.02580.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiac resynchronization therapy , heart failure , cardiology , qrs complex , adverse effect , ventricular dyssynchrony , intensive care medicine , ejection fraction
Heart failure is now considered an epidemic. In patients with heart failure, electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, evident primarily as prolongation of the QRS‐complex on the surface electrocardiogram, is associated with detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system at several levels. In the past 10 years, studies have demonstrated that by stimulating both cardiac ventricles simultaneously, or almost simultaneously [cardiac resynchronization therapy ( CRT )], the adverse effects of dyssynchrony can be overcome. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of different aspects of CRT including the rationale behind and evidence for efficacy of the therapy. Issues with regard to gender effects and patient follow‐up as well as a number of unresolved concerns will also be discussed.