[Cardiac resynchronization therapy and prevention of sudden cardiac death in heart failure. From clinical trials to clinical practice].
Heart failure is one of the most prevalent diseases in industrialized countries. Despite advances in pharmacologic therapy, morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure remain high. In recent years, the results of numerous clinical trials have led to the incorporation of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and biventricular pacing (or cardiac resynchronization therapy) into the management of patients with chronic heart failure. The purpose of this review, therefore, was to present a summary of currently available data on the use of these devices in everyday clinical practice.
Silva Melchor
Lorenzo
L
Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Servicio de Cardiología, Madrid, Spain. lsilva@medynet.com
García-Pavía
Pablo
P
Ortigosa Aso
Javier
J
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016757:Death, Sudden, Cardiac / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017147:Defibrillators, Implantable; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans