The Effect of Age on Non-Invasive Hemodynamics in Chronic Heart Failure Patients on Left-Ventricular Assist Device Support: A Pilot Study

Background: Implantation of continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (LVAD's) has been increasingly used in patients with advanced heart failure (HF). Little is known about the non-invasive hemodynamics and the relationship with adverse events in this specific group of patients. We aimed to identify any differences in non-invasive hemodynamics in patients with an LVAD in different age categories and to investigate if there is an association with major adverse events. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, HF patients with a continuous flow LVAD were included. Non-invasive hemodynamic parameters were measured with a validated, automated oscillometric blood pressure monitor. The occurrences of adverse events were registered by reviewing the medical records of the patients. An independent-samples T-test and Chi-square test were used to compare different groups of patients. Results: Forty-seven patients were included; of these, only 12 (25.6%) had a successful measurement. Heart rate, heart rate-adjusted augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity were higher in the >= 55 years of age LVAD group compared to the <55 years of age LVAD group (all p < 0.05). Stroke volume was significantly lower in the >= 55 years of age LVAD group compared to the <55 years of age LVAD group (p = 0.015). Patients with adverse events such as cardiovascular events, GI-bleeding, or admission to a hospital had lower central pulse pressure (cPP) than patients without any adverse event. Conclusion: Older LVAD patients have a significantly higher heart rate, heart rate-adjusted augmentation index, and pulse wave velocity and a significantly lower stroke volume compared to participants aged < 55 years. The pulsatile component of blood pressure was decreased in patients with adverse events.