CRT

CRT

 What is cardiac resynchronization therapy?

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is treatment to help your heart beat with right sequence of beating. It uses a pacemaker to restore the normal timing pattern of the heartbeat.

The CRT pacemaker coordinates how timing of the upper heart chambers (atria) and the lower heart chambers (ventricles). It also works on the timing between the left and right sides of the heart.

When your heart doesn’t pump strongly enough, fluid can build up in your lungs and your legs. This is called heart failure. This condition can happen when the two bottom chambers (ventricles) of your heart don’t beat at the same time.

CRT therapy means you will need to have the pacemaker placed under your skin by minor surgery. Wires from the device are connected to the ventricles on both sides of your heart. The CRT device sends electrical signals to the ventricles to make them pump together the way they should. This type of electrical stimulation is called biventricular pacing.

Why might I need cardiac resynchronization therapy?

Your doctor may suggest CRT for the following reasons:

• You have moderate to severe heart failure symptoms.
• The pumping chambers (ventricles) of your heart are not working together.
• Tests show that your heart is weak and enlarged.
• Medicines and lifestyle changes are not working well enough to control your heart failure.