title: Cardiac resynchronization therapy: a breakthrough in heart failure management.
abstract: Heart failure is now considered an epidemic. In patients with heart failure, electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, evident primarily as prolongation of the QRS-complex on the surface electrocardiogram, is associated with detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system at several levels. In the past 10 years, studies have demonstrated that by stimulating both cardiac ventricles simultaneously, or almost simultaneously [cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)], the adverse effects of dyssynchrony can be overcome. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of different aspects of CRT including the rationale behind and evidence for efficacy of the therapy. Issues with regard to gender effects and patient follow-up as well as a number of unresolved concerns will also be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ståhlberg
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zabarovskaja
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gadler
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Braunschweig
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Linde
mesh_terms: D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D058406:Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors