The ACE D allele may be predictive in individuals who may be at risk of developing CAD. Further investigations of these polymorphisms and their possible synergisms with traditional risk factors for CAD could help to ascertain better predictability for CAD susceptibility.

Background: Cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is a validated treatment for heart failure (HF) patients in NYHA class III-IV despite optimal medical therapy. We aimed to assess the beneficial effects of CRT in patients with catecholamine-dependent overt HF (CDOHF). Methods: We studied 20 CDOHF patients who had undergone CRT implantation. Patients had a mean baseline QRS duration of 174 ± 25 ms and/or echocardiographic asynchrony, and LVEF of 18 ± 3%. Mean follow-up was 18 ± 12 months. Dependence on catecholamine agents was defined as the inability to stop or reduce drug infusion without re-occurrence of hypotension, low urine output and hypoxaemia. Results: After CRT implantation, catecholamine agents were mostly withdrawn within 2 days and blood pressure, urine output and BNP rapidly improved within 24 h. During follow-up, survival rates were 85% at 3 months, 80% at 6 months and 55% at 18 months. Among the 9 deaths, 5 were related to overt HF, 3 to sudden cardiac death and 1 to non-cardiac death. LVEF improved from 18 ± 3% to 21 ± 4% three months after CRT implantation. Conclusion: "Rescue" CRT implantation in CDOHF patients allowed a rapid and successful catecholamine weaning in all studied patients. Furthermore, this immediate beneficial effect is sustained for more than one year in surviving patients.