Cardiac resynchronization therapy in Congestive Heart Failure – a review

Abstract

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) incidence is increasing in contrast to incidence of coronary heart disease. Since 1992 cardiac pacing was introduced to treat heart
failure. Improved modes of biventricular pacing created a milestone in treatment of
CHF. Interventricular conduction delays (IVCD) are associated with adverse mechanical conditions and put CHF patients at a significant mechanical disadvantage.
Apex to base contraction sequence is noted in CHF patients with IVCD. Atrial
synchronized biventricular pacing or cardiac resynchronization therapy restores the base to apex contraction sequence and is shown to improve left ventricular systolic function and resersal of left ventricular remodelling. Hence, there is a promising electrical arm of therapy for CHF patients.