Role of CRT on PR interval in patients with LV dysfunction.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Functional remodelling of Atrioventricular node in patients with LV dysfunction after Cardiac resynchronization therapy
IRAS ID
137216
Contact name
Clifford Garratt
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Central Manchester University Hospital NHS foundation trust
Research summary
This project aims to study the role of Cardiac resynchronization therapy in the remodelling of the atrioventricular (AV) node in heart failure patients. AV node is the specialized part of the heart’s specialized conduction system.
The heart beat is initiated and coordinated by this specialized conduction system of heart. An artificial pacemaker has to be fitted, if with disease or old age, these specialised parts of the heart, function inappropriately. The dysfunction of the AV node is commonly called heart block. Heart block can potentially result in blackouts and/or death in the affected individuals if not treated with an artificial pacemaker. Heart block occurs when there is a problem in the conduction of the electrical impulse through the atrioventricular node (AV node). Heart block is commonly seen with old age and in patients with heart failure. Patients with heart failure receive a special pacemaker to improve their symptoms. This special pacemaker is called biventricular pacemaker or cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). CRT has been shown to provide better benefit in patients with heart blocks suggesting possible remodelling of the AV node after CRT implantation.
To understand what goes wrong and devise new treatments for heart blocks, we will need further research to improve our understanding of this specialised part of the conduction system of the heart. This study will improve our understanding of potential mechanisms of AV node remodelling which can be used in future research to identify mechanisms that can be used to cure heart blocks. It could also result in closer follow-up of patients with heart blocks, which may result in decreased hospital admission and/or mortality. At present the only treatment of the heart block is insertion of an artificial pacemaker, which in itself is associated with different complications.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/YH/0398
Date of REC Opinion
3 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion