Cardiac resynchronization device

This is my first posting, so if I breach any etiquette or talk goofy please be patient with me.  I'm 69 and have had a one-wire ICD for 7 years because of idiopathic cardiomyopathy.  Beginning a year ago August when I passed out while driving and the ICD discharged, I have been slowly having more problems, including some pulmonary edema which resolved with Lasix. My EF is now 10% and I have left bundle branch block and worse mitral regurgitation.  I'm needing viewpoints from others who may have similar problems and had a cardiac resynchronization device installed and whether or not it has improved their symptoms or not.  I've read some articles from the internet, but would like to hear from someone who has experienced it, if possible. Thank you very much.

4 Comments

CRT's

by Grateful Heart - 2017-01-02 20:49:41

I have a CRT-D.  I was also diagnosed with Idiopathic Cardiomyopathy, LBBB and SSS.  I see from your profile you are a nurse so I'm sure you know the CRT will sync both ventricles.  The CRT has been shown to improve heart function for those with LBBB.

My EF was 24% prior to implant and was 50% about 6 months later.  That was 8 years ago.  My last Echo revealed my EF was 55%.  My heart is no longer enlarged....truly amazing! 

We are all different and some do not see improvement.  I know I am very lucky.    

You already are living with an ICD so you are over that hurdle.  I am not a doctor but there is a good chance the CRT will improve your heart function too. 

Good luck and keep us posted.

Grateful Heart

its been amazing for me

by alicia6650 - 2017-01-02 22:08:49

My case and history is all super complicated and very rare....

but I had a regular pacemaker until after MANY ablations I was left with full AV node block. They upgraded me to a CRT-ICD and the difference in my symptoms was almost immediate.

On top of my rhythm issues, I also have had multiple open heart surgeries and heart failure and all things that I have no business having, since I am only 33! HAH! BUT, the greatest think about the CRT is that it leaves your doctors with TONS of options in settings as well as in what they are able to see your heart doing, which is key to your treatment. You could find that you feel no change after they implant the new device, but they have so many setting options and timing for all three leads that they can make to tend specifically to your needs.

As my heart disease is a super pain in the butt, having the ability for all those settings changes is major. I have had two different CRT devices, and of the two (St. Jude and Boston Scientific) I would say Boston Scientific is MUCH better, and I would encourage you to discuss the option of what is called a 'Quattro' lead (by MedTronic, I think) with your doctor. I had a lead replaced with a Quattro, and that gave my doctors even MORE options. 

Hope it all works out!

Alicia

CRT

by fox30 - 2017-01-03 18:29:34

Everone with heart failure does not improve with CRT but I've read about 70% do.CRT is basically treatment for the ventricular dyssynchrony that the LBBB causes. Patients with HF and LBBB are one most expected to improve with CRT and often the improvement is amazing. Hope things work  out good for you.

CRT

by Kate1924 - 2017-01-03 21:47:00

Thank you so much for the encouraging news!  I read about the 70% statistic, but wasn't sure what my chances might be to be in that group.  I have always stayed as active as possible and want to continue as long as I can. 

You know you're wired when...

You name your daughter “Synchronicity”.

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