Living with Heart Failure: How Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) Enhances Quality of Life with Dr. Priyam Mukherjee
Heart failure is a chronic and often debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, leading to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and fluid retention. However, advancements in cardiology have introduced treatments like Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), which have transformed the lives of heart failure patients. In this blog, Dr. Priyam Mukherjee, an experienced cardiologist, explains how CRT works, its benefits, and what patients can expect from this life-changing treatment.
Understanding Heart Failure
Heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working—it means the heart is not pumping blood as effectively as it should. This can result from:
- Coronary artery disease
- High blood pressure
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Heart attack
- Heart valve disease
Common Symptoms of Heart Failure:
- Persistent fatigue
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity or while lying down
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, or abdomen
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Difficulty concentrating
If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms, consulting a specialist like Dr. Priyam Mukherjee is crucial for early intervention.
What is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a specialized treatment for patients with heart failure caused by abnormal electrical activity in the heart. CRT uses a device, often referred to as a biventricular pacemaker, to improve the coordination of the heart’s pumping action.
How CRT Works:
- Device Placement: A small device (CRT pacemaker) is implanted under the skin, typically below the collarbone.
- Leads Placement: Thin wires (leads) are placed in the heart’s right atrium, right ventricle, and left ventricle.
- Electrical Signals: The CRT device sends small electrical impulses to both lower chambers (ventricles) of the heart.
- Synchronized Pumping: These impulses ensure the ventricles contract together, improving blood flow.
Who is a Candidate for CRT?
CRT is typically recommended for patients who:
- Have moderate to severe heart failure symptoms.
- Experience abnormal heart rhythms (e.g., left bundle branch block).
- Have reduced ejection fraction (a measure of how much blood the heart pumps with each beat).
- Are not responding adequately to medications.
Dr. Priyam Mukherjee emphasizes that a thorough evaluation, including imaging tests like echocardiography and electrocardiography (ECG), is necessary to determine if CRT is suitable for a patient.
Benefits of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT)
CRT offers significant benefits for eligible heart failure patients, including:
- Improved Heart Function: Enhanced pumping efficiency of the heart.
- Reduced Symptoms: Less fatigue, breathlessness, and swelling.
- Better Exercise Tolerance: Increased ability to perform daily activities.
- Improved Quality of Life: Enhanced overall well-being and energy levels.
- Reduced Hospitalizations: Fewer emergency visits related to heart failure.
Many patients treated with CRT experience a dramatic improvement in their symptoms and can enjoy a more active lifestyle.
The CRT Implantation Procedure
Before the Procedure:
- You’ll undergo diagnostic tests like ECG, chest X-ray, and echocardiogram.
- Blood thinning medications may be adjusted before surgery.
During the Procedure:
- The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation.
- Leads are placed in the heart chambers, and the CRT device is implanted under the skin.
- The procedure typically takes 2–4 hours.
After the Procedure:
- Patients are monitored overnight and discharged the next day.
- Some discomfort near the implantation site is normal.
- Follow-up appointments are essential to fine-tune the device settings.
Life After CRT Implantation
Recovery after CRT implantation is generally smooth, and patients can return to normal activities within a few weeks. Dr. Priyam Mukherjee recommends the following for optimal results:
- Take prescribed medications regularly.
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure the device is functioning optimally.
- Adopt a heart-healthy diet low in salt and unhealthy fats.
- Stay physically active with light exercises, as advised by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is CRT a permanent solution for heart failure?
A: While CRT significantly improves symptoms, it doesn’t cure heart failure. It helps manage the condition effectively.
Q: Will I feel the device working?
A: No, patients usually don’t feel the device’s electrical pulses.
Q: How long does a CRT device last?
A: The battery life of a CRT device typically ranges from 5 to 10 years.
Q: Are there risks associated with CRT implantation?
A: Risks are minimal but may include infection, lead displacement, or bleeding. Choosing an experienced specialist like Dr. Priyam Mukherjee minimizes these risks.
Take Control of Your Heart Health with Dr. Priyam Mukherjee
Heart failure can feel overwhelming, but with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), there’s hope for a healthier and more active life.
Dr. Priyam Mukherjee combines expertise with compassionate care to guide heart failure patients through every step of the CRT journey—from diagnosis to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with heart failure symptoms, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Priyam Mukherjee today and take the first step toward a better quality of life.
Your heart deserves the best care—trust the expertise of Dr. Priyam Mukherjee.