Patent ID: 8065003

Claim:
A implantable cardiac pacing device, comprising: one or more pulse generators for incorporation into a plurality of pacing channels; one or more cardiac sensing amplifiers for incorporation into sensing channels for detecting cardiac activity; a controller for controlling the delivery of paces in accordance with a programmed pacing mode; wherein the controller is programmed to deliver cardiac function therapy for effecting reversal of ventricular remodeling by delivering pacing pulses to one or more stressed or hypertrophied ventricular regions in a manner that pre-excites those region(s) relative to other ventricular regions; a thoracic impedance sensor configured to measure cardiac output of a patient; a sensor for measuring an exertion level of the patient; wherein the controller is programmed to assess the patient's cardiac function by comparing the measured cardiac output with the measured exertion level and computing a cardiac function parameter indicative as to whether the patient's cardiac output is adequate for the measured exertion level; and, wherein the controller is programmed to temporarily suspend delivery of cardiac function therapy, assess the patient's cardiac function while no cardiac function therapy is being delivered by comparing the cardiac function parameter to a threshold value, continue delivery of cardiac function therapy if the patient's cardiac function is determined to be inadequate, and cease delivery of cardiac function therapy if the patient's cardiac function is determined to have improved to a specified extent.