A comparison of the health status and psychological distress of partners of patients with a left ventricular assist device versus an implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A preliminary study

Objective: To examine if the caregiving for patients with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is related to a poorer health status and more distress compared to patients with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Background: Partners distress may influence patient outcomes and is therefore an important aspect in the care of LVAD and ICD patients. Methods: Multi-center prospective observational study with 6 months follow-up of 33 LVAD partners (27% men; mean age=54±10 years) and 414 ICD partners (22% men; mean age=60±12 years). Results: LVAD partners reported better physical (. F=10.71, p=.001) but poorer mental health status (. F=14.82, p<.001) and higher depression scores compared to ICD partners (. F=3.68, p=.05) at 6 months follow-up, also in adjusted analyses. There was no significant difference between groups on anxiety. Conclusion: Caregivers of LVAD patients show higher distress levels compared to caregivers of ICD patients. LVAD partners may have a need for support beyond what is offered currently in clinical practice.

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