London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT)
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a treatment for heart failure.
At HCA UK, we can offer you quick access to cardiac specialists who will provide the most effective treatments. CRT involves a device being placed under the skin to help restore the heart's normal rhythm.
- Ranked no.1 for private cardiac care in the UK
- Appointments with leading heart specialists confirmed within 24 hours
- 99% of cardiac patients would recommend us to friends and family
- In the past year we’ve fitted 300 pacemakers and carried out over 700 cardiac surgeries
When would I need cardiac resynchronisation therapy?
You might be recommended treatment that involves cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) if you're experiencing symptoms of heart failure. It’s a common condition where the heart weakens and struggles to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. The British Heart Foundation estimates that over one million people in the UK experience some form of heart failure.
More specifically, a CRT procedure might be used to treat heart failure with left ventricular dyssynchrony.
Left ventricle: This is the main pumping chamber of the heart, responsible for sending blood to the rest of the body.
Dyssynchrony: This means the different parts of the ventricle are not contracting in a coordinated way.
Other conditions that might be treated with CRT include:
If you have one of these conditions you might experience symptoms such as:
- Rapid or irregular heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Tiredness and weakness
Access leading specialists and a range of diagnostic tests
If you're experiencing heart failure symptoms, we provide rapid access to diagnostic tests. We'll confirm an appointment with a cardiac specialist within 24 hours. We also have a dedicated GP hotline and convenient GP clinics, or video or telephone calls, to give you reassurance and expert advice.
The most effective cardiac resynchronisation therapy for you
- Multidisciplinary teams: As well as our expert cardiologists, you'll be supported by a wider team that includes resident doctors, electrophysiology clinical nurse specialists, specialist physiologists and radiographers who work together to deliver outstanding care.
- High-quality facilities: Our network of inpatient hospitals, outpatient centres and theatres provides outstanding facilities and makes use of the most advanced technology. You'll receive exceptional care in a comfortable environment before, during and after your procedure.
- #1 for private cardiac care: We provided cardiac care for nearly 80,000 people between 2021 - 2023, and we’re trusted by more patients to diagnose and treat heart failure than anyone else.
- Rapid access to diagnosis and treatment: If you're experiencing symptoms or you've been recommended a CRT procedure, we'll confirm an appointment within 24 hours so your care can begin as soon as possible.
What is cardiac resynchronisation therapy?
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is the name given to a particular type of arrythmia treatment.
- Cardiac – meaning of the heart
- Resynchronisation – the process of enabling two entities to reach the same state at the same time again
- Therapy – the treatment of a condition
CRT is a procedure in which a pacemaker or defibrillator is implanted under the skin to help regulate your heart's rhythm. The device can have multiple leads which are connected to different areas of the heart.
If you have heart failure, the heart's ventricles will beat out of time with each other. Cardiac resynchronisation therapy aims to improve the pumping efficiency of your heart by resynchronising the electrics of the ventricles. The CRT pacemaker regulates the timing of the upper and lower chambers of the heart.
In some cases, a cardiac resynchronisation therapy defibrillator might be implanted, which also has a pacemaker in it. This can occur especially if your condition is serious or you're experiencing more than one cardiac condition.
What happens during CRT treatment?
Having a CRT implantation device is a relatively straightforward procedure. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, meaning you'll be awake for the duration but very drowsy.
- Your consultant will make an incision near your collarbone on the left-hand side of your chest and insert wires into the veins of your upper body through to your heart. Wires are positioned in the different chambers of the heart including the right and left ventricles (chambers) and the upper right atrium in some people.
- The wires will then be connected to the CRT device.
- Finally, your consultant will close the incision using absorbable sutures.
CRT surgery usually takes between one and two hours. You will normally stay in hospital overnight and your healthcare team might carry out checks to make sure the CRT pacemaker is working.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy from leading specialists
We provide leading treatment across our five cardiovascular inpatient hospitals and insert 300 pacemakers annually. If you're experiencing an arrythmia condition, we can provide quick access to the most effective treatment across our network of outstanding facilities.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy FAQs
A CRT procedure aims to make your heart pump more efficiently, getting larger volumes of blood around the body. In turn, this can reduce or eliminate symptoms such as dizziness and shortness of breath. It can also increase your cardio exercise ability, reducing overall health risks.
If you undergo cardiac resynchronisation therapy for heart failure, your life expectancy could be increased.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy is classed as minimally invasive and is not considered especially risky. But, as with all procedures, there are some risks involved which your consultant will explain to you before your treatment:
- Infection at the site of incision
- Swelling or bruising
- Movement of wires or the cardiac resynchronisation therapy device
- Issues with the device not working as it should be
- Rarely, additional problems with the heart
Your consultant will tell you how best to prepare for your procedure, but you might be asked to do the following:
- Avoid eating or drinking anything for a few hours before the procedure
- Start taking blood thinning medication a few days to a week before CRT treatment
- Arrange to be collected from the hospital afterwards as you won't be able to drive
Having your CRT device implanted is a relatively straightforward procedure. It is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and sedation, meaning you'll be awake for the duration but very drowsy.
Your consultant is likely to place the device under the skin near your collarbone on the left hand side of your chest. It is then attached to three wires that are guided through a blood vessel and into both the right and left ventricles (chambers) of your heart. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours. You will usually stay in hospital overnight.
You may be able to return home on the same day as your procedure, but most people will need to spend one night in hospital to recover. Your consultant will let you know what to expect. You should rest at home for a few days after the procedure to allow time for the area to heal.
Your consultant will discuss this with you and let you know when you can get back to your usual routine, including work or exercise. They’ll also give you advice on any medication you may need to continue taking to manage your condition. At first you'll be able to feel the pacemaker beating in your chest. It may feel a little uncomfortable in certain positions.
Roughly two thirds of people develop an improvement in symptoms and live longer following heart resynchronisation therapy.
The exact response will depend on the individual and we will always recommend the most effective treatment for you and your specific condition. Your consultant will also discuss the most recent research findings, risks and benefits with you.
Depending on your condition, other treatments might be recommended instead of, or as well as, having a cardiac resynchronisation therapy device fitted:
- Lifestyle changes
- Medicines to control your heart rate
- Blood thinners to prevent blood clots
- Biventricular pacing
- Electrical cardioversion, providing controlled electric shocks to stabilise the heartbeat
- Catheter ablation, where small tubes are placed into the blood vessels in your heart to correct the heart's rhythm
- Cardiac surgery if the valve is contributing to the dyssynchrony
- Ventricular assist devices
- Cardiac rehab
- Coronary artery bypass surgery
Choosing the right approach to CRT treatment
The best course of treatment will depend on various factors, including the severity of heart failure, the cause of dyssynchrony, your overall health condition, and your individual preferences. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your case and discuss the most suitable options, considering both CRT and alternative therapies.
How much does cardiac resynchronisation therapy cost?
The cost of your CRT will depend on the specifics of your treatment and whether you need to remain in hospital afterwards. You can pay for your CRT treatment in various ways including via your private medical insurance and through self-pay.
You'll receive a quote before you begin any treatment so there'll be no hidden costs at the end.
Our cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
Request an appointment
If heart symptoms are affecting your quality of life, we’re here to help. We can discuss your most effective treatment options, including CRT treatment, and we'll confirm an appointment within 24 hours after your enquiry
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.