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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Pacemakers for Heart Failure
Introduction
Heart failure (HF) is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood efficiently. In some cases, a special type of pacemaker, known as a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device, can help improve heart function.
What is a Pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a small device implanted in the chest to help control abnormal heart rhythms. However, in heart failure patients, a biventricular pacemaker (CRT) is often used to synchronize the contraction of the heart's lower chambers (the ventricles), improving the heart's efficiency.
Who Needs a Pacemaker for Heart Failure?
A CRT device may be recommended for patients with: - Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), when the heart's pumping ability is significantly impaired. - A wide QRS complex (typically ≥120-150 milliseconds) on an ECG, which indicates poor electrical synchronization of the heart. - Persistent symptoms despite optimal medical therapy (such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and diuretics).
Benefits of a CRT Pacemaker
- Improves heart function by coordinating the ventricles' contraction.
- Reduces symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
- Lowers hospitalization rates due to worsening heart failure.
- Enhances quality of life and overall survival.
Risks and Considerations
While CRT pacemakers are generally safe, potential risks include: - Infection at the implant site. - Lead-related complications, such as displacement or malfunction. - Rare cases of bleeding or lung injury during the procedure.
Conclusion
For eligible patients with heart failure, a CRT pacemaker can be a life-changing intervention. It is important to consult with a cardiologist to determine if this therapy is appropriate based on clinical guidelines and individual health conditions.
Clinical Guidelines
Here are some relevant guidelines that provide more details on pacemaker therapy for heart failure:
Source recommendations
1. American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Heart Failure Guidelines
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
- https://www.acc.org/Guidelines
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.12.024
- https://www.acc.org/education-and-meetings/products-and-resources/features/global-cv-institute/heart-failure-guidelines
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34447992/
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27206819/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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