Heart failure happens when the heart's capacity to effectively pump blood is impaired, resulting in insufficient perfusion of essential organs and tissues. Despite pharmacological management, some patients develop advanced heart failure, marked by intense symptoms, diminished quality of life, and elevated mortality rates. A recent report titled 'Accidental Deaths & Suicides in India' (2022) stated that heart failure deaths fluctuated between 25,000 and 28,000 over the past four years.
A weakened heart leads to insufficient blood flow to the cells, which causes fatigue, breathlessness, an irregular heartbeat, decreased appetite, and swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or abdomen. It is primarily caused by the accumulation of fat deposits in the artery walls. Heart failure typically arises in adults because of smoking, hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, and dysfunctional heart valves. Stress itself is a risk factor since it elevates cortisol levels, which then contributes to obesity and disrupts blood sugars, resulting in coronary artery disease. The condition may pose difficulties in everyday activities like walking, ascending stairs, or lifting groceries and, in some instances, can be life-threatening.
With the rising prevalence of heart failure, addressing this condition through advanced treatment solutions has become essential. Medical devices like LVADs (Left Ventricular Assist Devices) are making a significant impact, offering innovative support options for patients with advanced heart failure.
Understanding LVADs
LVAD is a mechanical device that is surgically placed within a person's chest to aid the heart in circulating blood. The left ventricle in the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, and an LVAD assists in this function when the heart is not working properly. Individuals experiencing severe heart failure or other cardiac issues might find an LVAD beneficial when other therapies have failed. The device is commonly utilized as a bridge to transplantation, assisting the patient during their wait for a heart transplant. In certain instances, it can also serve as a destination therapy, with the LVAD providing a prolonged remedy for individuals ineligible for heart transplants.
How do LVADs enhance quality of life?
Enhanced strength and independence
A key advantage of LVAD therapy is the marked enhancement in exercise tolerance and functional ability. Numerous patients indicate a significant enhancement in symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue, allowing them to participate in activities they could not undertake before. Restoring physical capability increases patients' autonomy, enabling them to explore, engage in interests, and enjoy more moments with family and friends, resulting in a more joyful and satisfying life.
Reduced hospitalisation rate and increased survival rate
In individuals with severe heart failure, LVADs have demonstrated the ability to enhance survival rates and lower the likelihood of hospital stays. By reducing symptoms and enhancing cardiac output, LVADs assist in stabilising patients' health, lowering the necessity for emergency department visits and repeated hospitalisations. The assistance offered by LVADs additionally aids in reversing the harmful impacts of heart failure on other essential organs, thus prolonging patients' lives.
Heart rehabilitation and other advantages
In certain situations, LVADs can enable the heart to regain enough function, potentially decreasing the necessity for additional procedures. They additionally aid in controlling fluid retention and enhancing organ functionality by promoting more stable blood circulation, reducing stress on other functions of the body.
Heart failure management is rapidly evolving due to research and technological innovations. Advanced treatments for heart failure, such as LVADs have transformed the care of advanced heart failure providing optimism and better results for patients.
Dr Rajneesh Malhotra is the vice chairman & head - CTVS, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Saket, Delhi