What Is CRT? How Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Helps Heart Failure Patients
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with heart failure, you may have heard the term CRT — or Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy. Dr. Nikhila Pachani, DM Cardiology and Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot, recently shared a simple explanation of what CRT is and how it can help patients breathe easier and feel stronger.
Why Does the Heart Beat "Out of Sync"?
A healthy heart works like a well-coordinated pump. All four chambers — two upper (atria) and two lower (ventricles) — squeeze and relax in a precise, timed rhythm. In some people with heart failure, this timing breaks down. The left and right sides of the heart stop working together properly. When that happens, the heart pumps less blood with each beat, leaving you feeling:
- Constantly tired or fatigued
- Short of breath, even with light activity
- Unable to do daily tasks comfortably
What Does CRT Do?
CRT uses a small, implanted device — similar in size to a large coin — to send gentle electrical signals to the heart. These signals coordinate the contractions of the heart's chambers so they beat together again, just as they should.
Think of it like a conductor guiding an orchestra — when every section plays in time, the music (and your heart) sounds — and works — much better.
The device has three thin wires (leads) that are gently guided into the heart:
- One to the right atrium (upper chamber)
- One to the right ventricle (lower right chamber)
- One to the left ventricle (lower left chamber)
Two Types: CRT-P and CRT-D
There are two versions of CRT devices, and your cardiologist will recommend the right one based on your condition:
| Device | What It Does |
|---|---|
| CRT-P (Pacemaker) | Resynchronizes the heart's chambers to improve pumping |
| CRT-D (Defibrillator) | Does everything CRT-P does, plus delivers a life-saving shock if a dangerous irregular heart rhythm occurs |
The CRT-D offers an added layer of protection for patients who are also at risk of serious arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms).
What Can CRT Improve?
Research shows that suitable candidates for CRT may experience:
- Reduced tiredness and breathlessness
- Improved ability to walk, climb stairs, or carry out daily activities
- Better overall heart pumping function
- Improved quality of life
It is important to understand that CRT works best for carefully selected patients. Not every person with heart failure is a candidate — your cardiologist will assess your heart's electrical activity, pumping strength, and overall health before recommending this therapy.
Available in Rajkot Under Ayushman Bharat
Dr. Pachani performs this procedure at Backbone Medicity Hospital, Rajkot. This therapy may also be accessible to eligible patients under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme — do ask your doctor about coverage.
If you or a family member is living with heart failure and experiencing tiredness or breathlessness, speak with a qualified cardiologist to understand whether CRT or another treatment option may be right for you.