Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Leads to Improvements in Handgrip Strength

Abstract

Background: A reduction in skeletal muscle performance measuredby handgrip strength is common in heart failure. No trial has investigatedthe role of cardiac resynchronization therapy, which leads toimprovements in cardiac performance, on the function of skeletalmuscle in patients with heart failure. Method(s): Nineteen patients were recruited, 18 male, age 69 +/- 8years, New York Heart Association class II-IV, QRS duration 173 +/-21 ms and left ventricular ejection fraction 26+/-8%. Handgrip strengthwas measured at baseline before, and 6 and 12 months, following cardiacresynchronization therapy. Response was assessed using qualityof life questionnaire, 6-minute walk distance, left ventricular enddiastolicvolume, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing at the sametime points. Result(s): Fourteen patients were identified as responders, demonstratingsignificant improvements in all four markers of response. Therewas no significant difference at baseline in left or right handgripstrength between responders and non-responders. Compared to baseline,handgrip strength significantly increased in responders duringfollow-up, left (34.4 +/- 11.4 to 40.3 +/- 11.3 kgf, P < 0.001) and right(35.7 +/- 12.5 to 42.2 +/- 11.5 kgf, P < 0.001) at 12 months. No suchimprovement was seen in non-responders. Conclusion(s): This study demonstrates that positive response to cardiacresynchronization therapy is associated with significant gains inhandgrip strength, suggesting that cardiac resynchronization therapymay indirectly lead to secondary gains in skeletal muscle function.Copyright © The authors.