Devices in patients with heart failure. Cardiac resynchronization therapy

Introduction: Implantation of a pacemaker for cardiac electrical stimulation with three electrodes, commonly known as resynchronization therapy, has become a useful tool in some patients with heart failure syndrome. Observational studies suggest that up to 30 % of deaths in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy are sudden cardiac deaths; the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) has emerged as an innovative response to these problems in selected patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death. Methodology: We followed the steps defined in the Methodological Guide for the Preparation of Clinical Practice Guidelines and Economic Evaluation of the General System of Social Security in the Colombian Ministry of Health and Social Protection, to develop the clinical practice guideline based on evidence (GPC). Results: In this issue we present the recommendations to use resynchronization therapy and the implantable cardioverter defibrillator. Conclusion: Randomized clinical trials have consistently shown that resynchronization therapy and implantable cardioverter defibrillator reduce mortality in certain subgroups of patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.