Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) in 2025: Coordinating Heart Contractions
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) in Kolkata: A detailed discussion by Dr. Kuntal Bhattacharya, Interventional Cardiologist in Kolkata, India
Introduction
When the heart’s ventricles don’t beat in sync, the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. Then Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a breakthrough treatment used to treat heart failure by improving the timing of heart contractions. Heart specialists in Kolkata help patients manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce hospitalizations related to heart failure.
Your heart works like a pump, and it needs a steady rhythm to push blood throughout your body. A regular heartbeat ensures that oxygen-rich blood reaches your brain, lungs, and other organs properly. This rhythm is controlled by your heart’s electrical system. Irregular heartbeats, or arrhythmias, happen when the heart’s electrical signals don’t flow properly. This can be due to heart disease, high blood pressure, damage from a heart attack, congenital (from birth) conditions, aging, or certain medications. These irregular beats can be too fast, too slow, or completely out of sync. Some irregular heartbeats are harmless, but others can be serious or even life-threatening. If your heart doesn’t beat properly, it may not pump enough blood, which can lead to fainting, stroke, or heart failure. Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) uses a special device (like a pacemaker) to send electrical signals that resynchronize the heart’s rhythm. This makes the heart pump more effectively, improving symptoms, reducing hospital visits, and helping patients live longer, healthier lives.
In this blog, we will explore the CRT treatment, procedure, recovery, cost and the best doctors in Kolkata.
What Is Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy?
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) is a breakthrough treatment for patients suffering from heart failure due to abnormal electrical activity in the heart. When the heart’s ventricles don’t beat in sync, the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, leading to fatigue, breathlessness, and reduced quality of life. CRT helps by sending electrical signals to both sides of the heart, ensuring the chambers contract together. It’s like giving the heart a much-needed rhythm correction. With this therapy, many patients see major improvements in heart function, daily activity levels, and overall well-being. Excellent CRT treatment is becoming more widely available in Kolkata because of skilled CRT-P/D – Implantation Doctor in Kolkata and cutting-edge cardiac care facilities.
The Basics of CRT
CRT is a treatment designed to improve the heart’s rhythm and function, especially in people with heart failure. It uses a specialized device to send electrical signals to both the left and right ventricles of your heart, helping them contract in a more coordinated way.
Why Heart Contractions Need Synchronization
In heart failure, the ventricles (the heart’s lower chambers) often don’t pump together. This lack of coordination reduces blood flow and worsens symptoms. CRT resynchronizes the contractions, improving efficiency and performance.
Types of CRT Devices
There are mainly two types:
CRT-P (Pacemaker)
CRT-P is primarily a pacemaker that coordinates the contractions of both ventricles, ideal for patients who need pacing support without a defibrillator.
CRT-D (Defibrillator)
CRT-D includes both a pacemaker and a defibrillator. It not only syncs the heartbeats but also protects against dangerous arrhythmias by delivering life-saving shocks.
How CRT Helps Heart Failure Patients
Improving Heart Function
CRT improves the pumping ability of the heart, allowing more blood to circulate through the body. Patients often notice a significant boost in energy.
Enhancing Quality of Life
Increased blood circulation leads to a more active lifestyle, less fatigue, and better breathing, which improves patients’ quality of life.
CRT vs. Regular Pacemaker—what’s the Difference?
A regular pacemaker helps control slow or irregular heartbeats by sending electrical signals to the heart. It typically supports either the right atrium or the right ventricle.
CRT (Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy), also known as a biventricular pacemaker, is used for patients with heart failure. It stimulates both the left and right ventricles to beat in a more coordinated way, improving heart efficiency. It is a more advanced and specialized form of pacing.
The difference between CRT and a Regular Pacemaker
Regular pacemakers treat slow heart rhythms, while CRT devices improve the heart’s pumping ability in heart failure patients by coordinating both ventricles.
When Is CRT Recommended?
Common Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen ankles
- Extreme fatigue
- Rapid weight gain
If these persist despite medication, CRT might be the next step.
Advantages of CRT-P/D:
- Improves heart function and quality of life
- Reduces symptoms of heart failure
- Lowers the risk of hospitalization and sudden cardiac death (especially with CRT-D)
- Enhances exercise capacity and daily functioning
Diagnostic Tests and Evaluation
Doctors may recommend:
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- Echocardiogram
- Cardiac MRI
These help determine if the heart’s electrical system is out of sync.
How Is CRT Implantation Done?
The Procedure Explained
CRT device implantation is a minor surgery. The doctor makes a small incision near your chest, places leads into the heart through veins, and connects them to the CRT device. It usually takes 2-3 hours.
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients go home within a day or two. You’ll need to avoid heavy lifting for a few weeks and follow up regularly with your Heart Specialist Doctor in Kolkata.
CRT-P/D – Implantation Doctor in Kolkata
If you’re considering CRT, make sure you consult a CRT-P/D – Implantation Doctor in Kolkata. These professionals specialize in implanting and managing cardiac resynchronization devices with precision and care.
Best Cardiologist in Kolkata for CRT
When your heart’s in trouble, you need the best hands. Look for a Cardiologist in Kolkata who is:
- Experienced in CRT procedures
- Offers personalized follow-up care
- Associated with a reputed cardiac hospitalwith advanced diagnostic tools and heart care units to ensure the best cardiac treatment
Interventional Cardiology for CRT-P/D implementation in Kolkata
An interventional cardiologist plays a key role in the successful implantation of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy devices, such as CRT-P (pacemaker) and CRT-D (defibrillator). These devices are used to treat heart failure by coordinating the contractions of the heart’s ventricles, improving its pumping efficiency.
The cardiologist performs the procedure by precisely placing leads in the heart using imaging guidance, ensuring optimal positioning for maximum therapeutic benefit. Their expertise minimizes procedural risks and enhances long-term device performance. The best Interventional Cardiologist in Kolkata will guide you through:
- Diagnosis
- Device selection (CRT-P/CRT-D)
- Post-implantation support
AICD Doctor in Kolkata – Who You Need
If you are also at risk for sudden cardiac arrest, your cardiologist might suggest an AICD (Automated Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator). A specialized AICD Doctor in Kolkata will ensure you get the right device with the best follow-up plan.
Pacemaker Implantation in Kolkata
The success of CRT depends on proper pacemaker implantation. A skilled Pacemaker Implantation Doctor in Kolkata will:
- Minimize complications.
- Optimize device settings.
- Offer regular monitoring.
Best Cardiac Device Doctor in Kolkata – How to Find One
Finding the best Cardiac Device Doctor in Kolkata isn’t just about Google reviews. Check for:
- Experience in CRT, AICD, and pacemaker implementation
- Hospital affiliations
- Patient testimonials
- Aftercare programs
Top Facilities in Hospitals and Clinics
Kolkata is home to several renowned cardiac care hospitals offering advanced heart treatments. There are many renowned hospitals in Kolkata for CRT treatment, including Narayana R.N. Tagore Hospital Mukundapur, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Fortis Hospital, etc., that have comprehensive cardiac units with modern technology, skilled cardiologists, state-of-the-art imaging techniques, and navigational devices to provide advanced cardiac care facilities. So interventional cardiologists can plan and perform operations more precisely, which improves patient outcomes. These hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by experienced cardiologists, making Kolkata a leading destination for heart care in Eastern India.
Conclusion
Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT) has revolutionized the treatment of heart failure by restoring the coordinated contractions of the heart’s chambers. By delivering carefully timed electrical impulses to the heart muscle, CRT improves the efficiency of the heart’s pumping action, enhances blood circulation, and reduces symptoms such as fatigue and shortness of breath. This therapy not only improves the quality of life for patients but also significantly reduces hospitalizations and increases survival rates. As technology advances and patient screening becomes more precise, CRT continues to offer renewed hope for individuals living with heart failure, making it a cornerstone in modern cardiac care. But the key to success lies in choosing the right heart specialist doctor in Kolkata. Whether you need a CRT-P/D implantation doctor, pacemaker specialist, or the best interventional cardiologist in Kolkata, always go for someone with proven expertise and compassionate care.
FAQs
- What is the life expectancy after CRT?
Most patients experience better heart function and longer survival — sometimes gaining several more quality years.
- Is CRT better than a pacemaker?
For heart failure patients with desynchronized ventricles, yes — CRT offers targeted therapy beyond standard pacemakers.
- How painful is CRT implantation?
Mild discomfort is common, but the procedure is relatively painless and done under local anesthesia or mild sedation.
- Can CRT cure heart failure?
CRT doesn’t cure heart failure, but it significantly improves symptoms and heart function in many patients.
- How much does CRT cost in Kolkata?
Depending on the hospital and device type, CRT implantation in Kolkata may range from ₹3,00,000 to ₹6,00,000.
