%0 Journal Article %A Leeor M. Jaffe %A Daniel P. Morin %T Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: History, Present Status, and Future Directions %D 2014 %J Ochsner Journal %P 596-607 %V 14 %N 4 %X Background Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is one of the most exciting recent advancements in heart failure (HF) treatment.Methods This review surveys the available literature regarding the effectiveness of CRT in treating patients with HF.Results By targeting ventricular dyssynchrony, CRT attempts to give the failing heart a mechanical advantage that can substantially improve both symptoms and mortality.Conclusion CRT results in short-term and long-term improvement in cardiac structure and function, often leading to enhanced quality of life and, for some patients, enhanced survival. %U https://www.ochsnerjournal.org/content/ochjnl/14/4/596.full.pdf