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Understanding Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) for Heart Failure.

Heart failure affects many patients in Bangladesh, leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. For some patients, Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) can help improve heart function and symptoms.

What is CRT?

Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a treatment that uses a special pacemaker to help the heart’s lower chambers (ventricles) beat in a more coordinated way. This improves the heart’s pumping efficiency, helping reduce heart failure symptoms.

How Does CRT Work?

In some heart failure patients, the left and right ventricles do not beat together (dyssynchrony), making the heart’s pumping less effective. A CRT device sends electrical signals to both ventricles simultaneously, improving coordination and increasing the amount of blood pumped with each heartbeat.

Types of CRT Devices

There are two main types of CRT devices:

✅ CRT-P (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy – Pacemaker):
Provides synchronized pacing to both ventricles without defibrillation capability.

✅ CRT-D (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy – Defibrillator):
Combines CRT pacing with ICD functionality to deliver shocks if dangerous fast heart rhythms occur, providing heart failure treatment with sudden cardiac death protection.

Who Needs CRT?

CRT may be recommended for patients who have:

• Moderate to severe heart failure symptoms (NYHA Class II-IV)
• Reduced heart pumping function (LVEF ≤ 35%)
• Evidence of ventricular dyssynchrony on ECG (e.g., left bundle branch block)

Your cardiologist will evaluate your condition and decide if CRT can help improve your heart failure symptoms.

Benefits of CRT for Heart Failure

✅ Improves heart pumping efficiency
✅ Reduces heart failure symptoms (fatigue, breathlessness)
✅ Increases exercise capacity
✅ Improves quality of life
✅ Reduces hospitalizations and heart failure-related mortality

CRT Device Implantation Procedure

CRT implantation is a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia with sedation:

• Leads are placed in the right atrium, right ventricle, and a vein near the left ventricle.
• The device is implanted under the skin near the collarbone.
• The procedure typically takes 2-3 hours, with most patients discharged in 2-3 days.

Life After CRT Implantation

✅ Most patients notice gradual symptom improvement.
✅ Regular follow-up is essential to optimize device settings.
✅ Continue heart failure medications as prescribed.
✅ Follow a heart-healthy lifestyle with a low-salt diet and appropriate activity.

CRT Support in Bangladesh

I’m Md Mijanur Rahman, as a Cardiac Device Specialist in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I provide:
✅ Technical assistance during CRT-P and CRT-D implantation
✅ Device programming and follow-up support
✅ Collaboration with cardiologists for optimal patient outcomes
✅ Patient and family counseling on CRT care

If you or your patient requires CRT device support, please contact me for professional assistance to ensure the best care for heart failure management.

Final Patient Tips:

✅ Attend all scheduled follow-ups.
✅ Inform your doctor about any new symptoms or device concerns.
✅ Carry your CRT device ID card at all times.