Decrease in Plasma B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Early After Initiation of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Predicts Clinical Improvement at 12 Months

43 patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) who underwent successful implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) system, mean age 62+/-9 years, 37 males. Mean NYHA class 3.2+/-0.4, mean QRS duration 195+/-24 ms.

Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) system implantation with stable pharmacotherapy for the first 3 months

Long-term clinical improvement at 12 months (defined by improvement in NYHA class, absence of urgent heart transplantation, and absence of death due to progressive heart failure)composite