Acute effects of cardiac resynchronization therapy on arterial distensibility and serum norepinephrine levels in advanced heart failure

BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become an accepted method for treating refractory heart failure (HF). Arterial distensibility is an index of arterial stiffness and a surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. The present study aims to assess the acute effects of ventricular resynchronization therapy with biventricular stimulation on arterial distensibility, echocardiographic parameters and serum norepinephrine levels in patients with drug refractory HF. METHODS: Fourteen cardiac HF patients (53.6 ± 9.1; 39-67 years, 7 woman) were enrolled for CRT. Patients had an advanced cardiac HF (NYHA III-IV functional class) due to non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35% and QRS duration ≥120 ms. Blood samples for norepinephrine and B-type natriuretic peptide were collected before 24 h biventricular implantation and after 48 h of CRT. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to evaluate arterial distensibility and cardiovascular condition. RESULTS: Although systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, LV end-diastolic diameter, LV end-systolic diameter, serum B-type natriuretic peptide, and serum norepinephrine levels significantly decreased after CRT implantation; EF and aortic distensibility significantly increased (p < 0.05). There was no significance in the hemodynamic and echocardiographic values, norepinephrine and B-type natriuretic peptide levels in pre- and post-CRT between man and woman. CONCLUSIONS: The major findings of this study are that in patients with cardiac HF in acute period, after implantation of CRT serum norepinephrine levels decrease and the arterial distensibility improves.