Background: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most exciting recent advancements in heart failure (HF) treatment.
Methods: This review surveys the available literature regarding the effectiveness of CRT in treating patients with HF.
Results: By targeting ventricular dyssynchrony, CRT attempts to give the failing heart a mechanical advantage that can substantially improve both symptoms and mortality.
Conclusion: CRT results in short-term and long-term improvement in cardiac structure and function, often leading to enhanced quality of life and, for some patients, enhanced survival.
Keywords: Cardiac electrophysiology; cardiac resynchronization therapy; heart failure; myocardial infarction.