Cardiac resynchronization therapy in heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation

Despite advances in treatment, heart failure (HF) remains a highly prevalent, worldwide problem with a high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an essential therapeutic tool in HF patients with significant dyssynchrony due to intrinsic conduction disease. Although the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with advanced HF is high, those patients are excluded or underrepresented in most of the CRT trails. In randomized studies supporting the benefits and indications for CRT, only 2% of patients had AF. Observational studies, a randomized trial and several meta-analyses showed that HF patients with AF may experience benefits similar to patients with a sinus rhythm in terms of functional capacity and reverse remodeling, quality of life, and even survival. With this review, it was aimed to discuss the clinical issues related to CRT, efficacy, heart rate control strategies, and their effects on the therapy.