Cardiac resynchronisation therapy for patients with heart failure.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a non-pharmacological treatment for heart failure. The method 'resynchronises' the contraction of the right and left ventricles, resulting in better cardiac output, thus improving symptoms. This article discusses symptoms, morbidity and mortality of heart failure; potential benefits of CRT to patients' quality of life; and the implications of CRT for nursing practice.
Frodsham
Robert
R
Coronary care unit, Whiston Hospital, Prescot, Liverpool. robert.froodsham@sthkhealth.nhs.uk
D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D002304:Cardiac Pacing, Artificial / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing / Q000523:psychology; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000145:classification / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008944:Mitral Valve Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D018754:Ventricular Dysfunction / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy