What are the expected improvements when CRT is added to optimal medical therapy?

The addition of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) to optimal medical therapy for heart failure patients is associated with significant improvements in overall health outcomes. One of the primary benefits of CRT is the enhancement of the quality of life. This therapy helps to synchronize the contractions of the heart's ventricles, thereby improving the heart's efficiency and reducing symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling.

Patients usually experience a decrease in hospitalizations due to heart failure exacerbations when CRT is incorporated into their treatment plan. By improving cardiac function and minimizing symptoms, CRT reduces the need for emergency interventions and inpatient stays, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life and more effective management of heart failure.

In contrast to this option, other choices do not align with the established benefits of CRT. For instance, CRT does not increase the risk of sudden cardiac death — in fact, it has been shown to reduce this risk compared to patients who are treated with optimally adjusted medical therapy alone. Additionally, CRT often leads to improvements in functional class, rather than no improvements, as it targets symptoms directly stemming from heart failure. Lastly, patients receiving CRT typically experience a decrease in hospital admissions rather than an increase, reflecting the successful impact of this therapy.