Optimized implementation of cardiac resynchronization therapy: a call for action for referral and optimization of careA joint position statement from the Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) of the European Society of Cardiology

AbstractCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most effective therapies for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and leads to improved quality of life, reductions in heart failure hospitalization rates and all ‐cause mortality. Nevertheless, up to two‐thirds of eligible patients are not referred for CRT. Furthermore, post‐implantation follow‐up is often fragmented and suboptimal, hampering the potential maximal treatment effect. This joint position statement from three European Society of Cardiolo gy Associations, Heart Failure Association (HFA), European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) and European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), focuses on optimized implementation of CRT. We offer theoretical and practical strategies to achieve more comprehensive CRT referral and post‐proce dural care by focusing on four actionable domains: (i) overcoming CRT under‐utilization, (ii) better understanding of pre‐implant characteristics, (iii) abandoning the term ‘non‐response’ and replacing this by the concept of disease modification, and (iv) implementing a dedicated post‐im plant CRT care pathway.

Source: Europace - May 25, 2021 Category: Cardiology Source Type: research