Characterization of a patient's condition by evaluating electrical and mechanical properties of the heart

摘要

A method and device for evaluating the progression of a patient's condition, which in certain applications can include heart failure, on an ongoing manner which reduces the need for immediate attention from skilled clinicians or expensive diagnostic equipment. The method and device analyze relative timing between electrical and mechanical properties of the heart. Detection of an elongated delay between corresponding electrical and mechanical activity is interpreted as indicating a worsening heart failure condition. The analysis and data corresponding thereto can be stored for further analysis and/or telemetrically communicated to an external device. Therapy provided by the device can be altered based on the evaluation of the patient's condition.