Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Overview
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), also known as biventricular pacing, is a relatively recent method to address heart arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). CRT involves implanting a pacemaker to regulate heart rhythm and alleviate arrhythmia symptoms. Unlike other pacemaker therapies, CRT specifically targets the issue found in about 30% of heart failure patients where the ventricles do not pump blood simultaneously, leading to inefficient blood flow.
Candidates for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
CRT is typically recommended for patients with moderate-to-severe heart failure symptoms where the left and right ventricles do not beat in unison. This issue can be caused by:
Heart arrhythmia may also occur in a healthy heart due to stress or without any apparent reason, in which case medical intervention might not be necessary.
Contraindications for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
CRT is not suitable for patients with only mild heart failure symptoms or those with diastolic heart failure, where the left ventricle cannot relax to fill properly. CRT is considered when medication alone is ineffective. Research indicates that CRT benefits both men and women equally.
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
CRT enhances heart efficiency, improves blood flow, and may alleviate symptoms of congestive heart failure such as shortness of breath, thereby boosting exercise capacity and overall well-being. CRT not only enhances the quality of life for heart failure and arrhythmia patients but also reduces hospitalization rates and mortality.
Additionally, CRT has been shown to improve the heart's anatomy, not just its function. It can reduce the size of the left ventricle and improve its ejection fraction, the percentage of blood pumped out of the heart with each contraction.
The Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Procedure
The CRT procedure involves implanting a pacemaker, about the size of a half dollar, below the patient’s collarbone. The pacemaker is connected to a monitor via wires to detect heartbeat irregularities. When an arrhythmia is detected, it is corrected with small electrical pulses.
Complications of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
CRT is generally safe, but like all medical procedures, it carries some risks. Potential complications include infection and residual pain at the implantation site, though these are uncommon and typically manageable.
