The potential role of cardiac resynchronization therapy in acute heart failure syndromes

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has been demonstrated to improve mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic, stable heart failure who have reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and prolonged QRS duration. Patients with acute heart failure syndromes (AHFS) have been excluded from major CRT trials. The potential benefits and risks of implementation of these devices in the AHFS setting are largely unknown. In this review, we discuss the role that early implementation of CRT may have in improving postdischarge outcomes. In addition, we also discuss the potential adverse consequences of inserting these devices in patients who are in the tenuous clinical state of AHFS.