Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: What You Need to Know

If you or someone you know is dealing with heart failure, you might have heard about cardiac resynchronization therapy — often called CRT. This treatment can help improve how the heart pumps by coordinating the beating of both sides. It’s not a cure, but it can often make daily life easier for people with certain heart problems.

CRT involves a special type of pacemaker that sends electrical signals to the heart’s chambers. This helps the left and right sides of the heart contract more together instead of out of sync, which can boost overall heart function. Many patients notice feeling less tired, breathing easier, and being able to do more of their favorite activities.

Who Should Consider Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy?

Doctors usually recommend CRT for people with moderate to severe heart failure who have a specific pattern on their heart’s electrical activity, called a widened QRS complex. If standard treatments like medication aren’t enough, CRT might be the next step. A heart specialist will assess your condition and run tests to decide if this therapy fits your needs.

Not all heart failure patients benefit from CRT. It works best when the left and right sides of the heart aren’t beating together properly, which can be seen through an ECG test. If your heart is pumping okay but you still have symptoms, your doctor might explore other options first.

What to Expect Before and After CRT

Getting CRT usually means a minimally invasive procedure to implant the device under your skin in the chest area. It’s similar to getting a regular pacemaker but with more leads placed on different parts of the heart. You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a day or two to recover and ensure the device is working correctly.

After the implant, the device continuously coordinates your heart’s contractions. You’ll have regular check-ups where the doctor can adjust the settings to optimize performance. While CRT can improve symptoms, it’s important to keep up with medications and lifestyle changes. This combined approach gives the best results.

Like any treatment, CRT comes with risks. Infections, lead dislodgement, or device malfunctions can happen but are relatively rare. Your healthcare team will watch closely and guide you on any signs to watch out for.

Overall, cardiac resynchronization therapy offers a lifeline to many dealing with heart failure, giving them a chance to feel better and live more actively. If this sounds like something you’d like to learn more about, chat with your cardiologist to see if CRT could help you.