Remodeling of Sinus Node Function in Patients With Congestive Heart Failure

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated diffuse atrial remodeling in congestive heart failure (CHF). We hypothesized that patients with CHF would demonstrate derangement of sinus node function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighteen patients with symptomatic CHF (left ventricular ejection fraction, 26+/-5%) and 18 age-matched control subjects were studied. Under autonomic blockade, the following were evaluated: intrinsic sinus cycle length, corrected sinus node recovery time (CSNRT), sinoatrial conduction time, number and duration of fractionated electograms or double potentials along the crista terminalis, and location of the earliest sinus activity. Electroanatomic mapping w..