Orthostatic Hypotension in Patients With Left Ventricular Assist Devices: Acquired Autonomic Dysfunction

ASAIO J. 2018 May/Jun;64(3):e40-e42. doi: 10.1097/MAT.0000000000000640.

Abstract

Contemporary left ventricular assist device (LVAD) technology uses nonphysiologic continuous flow to deliver blood into the circulation. This results in a reduction of pulsatility, which is implicated in some of the commonly associated side effects with LVAD therapy, including hypertension and gastrointestinal arterial-venous malformation with related bleeding. A less frequently observed side effect is orthostatic hypotension (OH) in patients supported with LVAD therapy. We present three cases of OH in patients with LVAD, followed by a discussion on how LVAD therapy may induce autonomic dysfunction.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Heart Failure / therapy
  • Heart-Assist Devices / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypotension, Orthostatic / etiology*
  • Male