The physiological effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on aortic and pulmonary flow and dynamic and static components of systemic impedance

Background: Patients who improve following cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) have left ventricular (LV) remodeling and improved cardiac output (CO). Effects on the systemic circulation are unknown. Objective: To explore the effects of CRT on aortic and pulmonary blood flow and systemic afterload. Methods: At CRT implant patients underwent a noninvasive assessment of central hemodynamics, including wave intensity analysis (n = 28). This was repeated at 6 months after CRT. A subsample (n = 11) underwent an invasive electrophysiological and hemodynamic assessment immediately following CRT. CRT response was defined as reduction in LV end-systolic volume ≥15% at 6 months. Results: In CRT responders (75% of those in the noninvasive arm), there was a significant increase in CO (from 3 ± 2 L/min to 4 ± 2 L/min, P = .002) and LV dP/dtmax (from 846 ± 162 mm Hg/s to 958 ± 194 mm Hg/s, P = .001), immediately after CRT in those in the invasive arm. They demonstrated a significant increase in aortic forward compression wave (FCW) both acutely and at follow-up. The relative change in LV dP/dtmax strongly correlated with changes in the aortic FCW (Rs 0.733, P = .025). CRT responders displayed a significant reduction in afterload, and a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and pulse wave velocity acutely; there was a significant decrease in acute pulmonary afterload measured by the pulmonary FCW and forward expansion wave. Conclusion: Improved cardiac function following CRT is attributable to a combination of changes in the cardiac and cardiovascular system. The relative importance of these 2 mechanisms may then be important for optimizing CRT.