Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
Quick Facts
- Some people with heart failure and an abnormal heartbeat may benefit from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
- CRT uses a pacemaker to help the heart beat normally and improve blood flow.
If you have heart failure and have developed arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat), you may be able to get cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).
What is CRT, and how can it help your heart?
Arrhythmias are abnormal heart rhythms caused by factors including older age, heart damage, medications and genetics. CRT, or biventricular pacing, helps improve your heart rhythm and symptoms of arrhythmia.
The procedure involves placing a small pacemaker under the skin below your collarbone. The device has three wires that go into your heart. It monitors and corrects heart rate problems.
How can CRT help?
CRT helps your heart pump blood better. This can lead to:
- Better blood flow
- Less shortness of breath
- Fewer hospital visits
- A better quality of life
Who can get CRT?
CRT is for heart failure patients with:
- Moderate to severe symptoms
- Left and right heart chambers that don't beat at the same time
However, CRT does not work well for everyone. It is not for those with:
- Mild heart failure symptoms
- Diastolic heart failure
- Chambers that already beat together
- Dementia
- Advanced cancer needing palliative care
- Chronic disease with less than one year to live
- Acute decompensated heart failure
- An active infection or sepsis
- A bleeding disorder (coagulopathy)
CRT is not suitable for patients who haven’t tried medication first. Studies show it works equally well for men and women.
Ask your health care professional if CRT is right for you. They will look at your medical history, age and treatment goals. CRT is also often used with other treatments for the best results.
