Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Incidence of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients With Poor Left Ventricular Systolic Function

Although the beneficial role of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in selected patients with heart failure is well proven, its effect on the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF) is unclear. The present study compared the incidence of AF in 36 consecutive patients with chronic heart failure receiving CRT with its incidence in controls matched for age, gender, and left ventricular ejection fraction but not receiving CRT. The findings suggest that patients with CRT had a significantly lower incidence of AF than controls. Further studies to establish the role of CRT in preventing AF and its mechanisms are warranted.