Ventricular Rate Regularization for Improved Quality of Life in Patients With CHF and AF

Randomized Study of Ventricular Rate Regularization for Improved Quality of Life in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation.

Single center investigator initiated sponsored by Guidant Boston Scientific Corp. to evaluate the benefit of ventricular rate regularization (VRR) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and significant atrial fibrillation (AF) burden.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Be between 18-85 years old
• Be willing and able to give informed consent
• Patient currently has a CRT-D or ICD with > 20% atrial fibrillation burden as recorded by defibrillator follow up report or a history of atrial fibrillation prior to implant.
• Patient has the ability to complete a Six minute walk test with the only limiting factors to be fatigue or shortness of breath.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Expected mortality less than 6 months due to non-cardiac causes.
• Pregnant women.
• Creatinine greater than or equal to 2.5 mg/dl.
• Anemia (HCT less than 30)
• COPD causing significant dyspnea
• Orthopedic problems affecting 6 minute walk.