Cardiac resynchronization therapy and its role in the management of heart failure.

The prevalence of heart failure is increasing and it is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Optimal medical therapy improves outcome, but heart failure continues to have a substantial impact on both the individual patient and wider society. Over the last two decades, cardiac resynchronization therapy has revolutionized the treatment of selected patients who have heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy significantly reduces mortality and hospitalization through reverse cardiac remodelling. This review informs non-specialists about cardiac resynchronization therapy and for which patients it should be considered.