Selecting Patients for Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy

Background and Purpose: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT; or biventricular pacing) is a new treatment option for patients with chronic systolic heart failure and intraventricular conduction delays. In this scientific advisory, experts use evidence from CRT clinical trials to outline indications for CRT and to identify unresolved questions about this therapy. A comprehensive update of ACC/AHA heart failure guidelines is expected later in 2005.

Key Points:

1. In multiple randomized clinical trials, CRT recipients have experienced significant improvements in quality of life, functional…