Effect of cardiac resynchronization therapy on quality of life: Role of hypertension

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate cardiac function, quality of life and role of hypertension in symptomatic heart failure in patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT). Methods: 80 patients with heart failure were enrolled in our study. Among them 30 patients underwent CRT implantation (CRT group) and 50 patients received optimal medical therapy only (non-CRT group). Follow-up was carried out for 20 ± 2.828 months. Assessment of New York Hear Association (NYHA) class, QRS width, Ejection Fraction (EF), left ventricular end diastolic diameter, left ventricular end systolic diameter, interventricular septum, posterior wall thickness, degree of Mitral Regurgitation (MR) and Basic Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) level was performed at baseline and follow-up along with number of admissions and Quality of Life (QOL) assessment. Results: The baseline indices of patients in the CRT and non-CRT groups were statistically same (P>0.05). At the end of follow-up most indices showed significant improvement in the CRT group (P<0.05) except thickness of IVS and the PWT (P>0.05). The indices in the non-CRT group only showed significant improvement in EF and BNP level (P<0.05). Hypertensive patients did not show significant impact on number of admissions and QOL (P<0.05). Conclusions: Patients receiving CRT had an overall improved outcome with beneficial effects in cardiac remodeling, enhancing the left ventricular function and improving the quality of life. Hypertension was associated with poorer outcome