Cardiac resynchronization therapy for the treatment of heart failure

Abstract

Heart failure is posing an increasing burden on healthcare systems around the world, a consequence of increased survival from acute coronary syndromes and life-prolonging medications. Cardiac resynchronization therapy has become a ratified and established therapy for heart failure to reduce both the morbidity and mortality of the condition. Its prophylactic role in patients who have minimal symptoms to delay future deterioration is a novel development. The indications for this therapy continue to evolve, mainly as a result of company-sponsored multicenter trial data aimed at broadening its usage. Uncertainty remains on how to accurately identify individuals who will respond to resynchronization therapy and how best to manage patients following device implant.

Keywords::

• biventricular pacing
• bundle branch block
• cardiac resynchronization therapy
• chronic heart failure
• dyssynchrony
• left ventricular dysfunction

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.