Cardiac resynchronization therapy overview

Synonyms and Keywords: CRT
 * : Bhaskar Purushottam, M.D. [mailto:bpurushottam@gmail.com]

Overview
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an evidence based device treatment for congestive heart failure. CRT is indicated in those patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure despite optimal medical therapy who have a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction(an LVEF ≤ 35%), and a wide QRS (≥ 0.12 sec). It involves timed atrioventricular and biventricular pacing, which can improve left ventricular function, heart failure symptoms and may be associated with a reduction in mortality.