For those who a CRT therapy improved their life..

For those who CRT therapy improved their life, how long did it take after implant?  Was it immediate?  Did it improve over time?  Do you know if your EF improved?    If it did not help, I'd like to know that as well.  

I had one implanted almost two weeks ago and have not noticed much of any improvement in terms of physical capacity I was at 35% EF and a 140 QRS wave delay from a left bundle branch block.  

The physician can't really estimate so I thought I'd ask here.  

Thanks!!!  

 


4 Comments

improvement

by The real Patch - 2018-02-19 11:25:58

even with the little information you've provided, I can tell you that in your case it's going to be a toss up whether you experience improvement or not. Your QRS delay of 140 is below the threshold of 150ms or greater that usually give the best results in improvement from synchronization therapy.

As with all rules, that doesn't always hold. My QRSD was so wide they were in different time zones, but, I have severe mitral valve prolapse and stenosis which result in backwash of blood into the atrium reducing the positive effect of synchronization therapy. It has however slowed the progression of decline.

I hope it pans out for you and you do benefit. I do know a guy who benefitted, but his wife got angry and stopped it

Robin there actually have been numerous studies on the topic and there was even one which shows women who receive CRT-D therapy outlive men

Our conditions are all different

by Grateful Heart - 2018-02-19 20:19:01

As Robin and Patch already stated, not everyone sees improvement.  I know I am one of the lucky ones.  

I was diagnosed with Cardiomyopathy, LBBB, SSS, enlarged heart and an EF of 24% over 9 years ago so I had a CRT-D implanted. 

After about 3-4 months, another echo revealed my EF was 50%.  A few years later, another echo revealed 55% EF.  My heart is no longer enlarged and my EF so far is holding at 55%.

I changed my diet to healthy eating, no salt, sugar, etc. and lost weight.  After about 2 months, I asked my Cardio if I could go to Cardiac Rehab because I was afraid to exercise on my own.  My concern was I didn't know if my defibrillator would go off during exercise.  

After Cardiac Rehab I joined a gym and I have been going ever since.  I also take yoga classes the past few years.  I push myself hard in the gym because I know for me....I have to keep moving to stay moving.      

Grateful Heart

My change was immediate

by Hoser - 2018-02-20 22:39:51

Right after implant an EKG showed the LBBB gone, and an echo 12 weeks later the EF went from 15% to 55%.

I’d say my change was immediate. 

You never said whethe you were walking, light exercise, etc. or whether you were planning to go through cardiac rehab.  Both are highly recommended, along with the above mentioned dietary and sodium changes.

Well now

by MFK - 2018-02-22 22:22:59

Turns out my QRS delay was high 170’s to 180.  

I believe I am seeing a bit of improvement.  Less blood pooling in my feet for sure, a little better breath.  Time will tell. 

 

My sincere thanks to you all for the support. 

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