Facing Winter with an LVAD? Here’s the HeartMate Jacket You Need

Winter comes with a lot of challenges that you may need to face every single day. But when you are living with an LVAD, it becomes mandatory to learn the ways to modify your lifestyle and clothing according to the weather. For that, you must have a comfort that keeps you warm in winter and a functional LVAD gear that allows you to keep your device safe. 

While we know that winter requires special attention to patients and needs an LVAD-specific winter layering, let’s talk about how LVAD HeartMate Jackets can support you through it.

Winter Challenges for LVAD Patients: What should you expect?

While you are still learning to live with your device, managing the LVAD device in winter can be a whole lot different experience for you, and you must know what you can expect and what strategies you can follow to make yourself comfortable and protected. You just need to have rational thinking. Here are some of the challenges that you can expect:

Device Management: In cold weather, you make yourself comfortable with layering, but you need to adjust the batteries and the controller to manage the device effectively; otherwise, it can put you and your device at risk.

Cold Temperature & Infection Risk: In winter, the driveline exit site becomes dry due to various reasons, like dehydration. It increases the infection risk, which can be one of the major complications after LVAD implantation.

Inactivity & Reduced Social Contact: In winter, you mostly stay indoors, which greatly impacts your mood and activity level. Physical fitness is also important for mental health and can affect overall recovery progress. So, an inactive lifestyle and reduced social contact during winter can be a challenge. 

Uncomfortable Bulky Layering: When you are wearing regular jackets over LVAD apparel or adding layering, it limits your freedom to move by becoming too tight or bulky. It not only makes you uncomfortable but also lowers your motivation to go outside.

Limited Accessibility: Regular winter clothing is not designed to hold batteries, and the controller, which means you have to unzip layers frequently to check for your device or whenever you need to change batteries. It can become frustrating and unsafe.

LVAD HeartMate Jacket: Your Winter-Ready Comfort

Unlike your winter coats and jackets, the LVAD HeartMate jacket is specifically built with the designs that can support LVAD patients and also keep them warm without making them uncomfortable for any reason mentioned previously. Each of the features is made only with real-life benefits in mind. 

Whether you are relaxing at home or need a functional LVAD gear that works best during winter, the LVAD jacket makes your life easier with an LVAD.

What Features are Key Features & Benefits: Why this Jacket Works So Well?

The features with which this LVAD jacket is crafted are solely made to give you the benefit of living comfortably and safely every single day, are mentioned below:

Warmth with Comfort:

The textile and leather LVAD jackets are of high quality to make you comfortable with their feel and improve your experience of carrying an LVAD by providing all-day comfort. Harsh winds and cold air can irritate the driveline site and also increase the chances of infection. So, wearing a premium quality material offers comfort with fewer chances of complications.

Functional Pockets:

The LVAD jackets include both outside hand pockets for everyday essentials and hidden pockets to hold your batteries and the controller. It is this feature that makes it different from your regular jackets. When you have protected your device in the designated pockets, it also reduces the chances of the device shifting and pulling or tugging on the driveline. This may help you move confidently knowing that your device is safe. 

Vents for Airflow:

The device's heat may accumulate inside the jacket, which can lead to overheating. To overcome this, LVAD jackets are designed with vents to improve airflow and breathability. So, no more need to unzip or adjust layers.

Easy Access:

Imagine removing layers just to access the device whenever you need to? Sounds frustrating, right? With front zipper access, LVAD jackets allow you to reach your device quickly, and they benefit you in so many ways, especially when you are outside and need to change batteries or check the controller.

Proper Cable Management:

With a proper cable management system with featured loops and Velcro, the LVAD jackets for HeartMate keep the wires organized and further contribute to the device safety by preventing accidental pulling.

Durability with Smart Detailing:

Detailing like comfort liner, removable liners, modern design, and use of heavy-duty hardware & thread make it suitable to support everyday wear.

How to choose the right LVAD HeartMate Jacket?

Picking up the right LVAD jacket is not complicated if you know about these important points to look for:

• Check for device compatibility and make sure the LVAD jacket is crafted according to the battery size and shape of your specific LVAD device. Like our LVAD HeartMate Textile Jacket is made for HeartMate 2 & 3 devices specifically.

• Look for a size that supports easy layering while supporting your LVAD device without putting extra pressure on your device. Always look for size charts and take your measurements before selecting your LVAD jacket.

• Choose your preferred material in a leather jacket that is suitable for you according to your personal preferences.

• Invest in a quality brand like LVADGear, which is dedicated to providing LVAD apparel that can actually help patients live a quality life with an LVAD.

• Look for features and functionality your LVAD jacket provides before selecting one.

Important Winter Tips to live with an LVAD:

For LVAD patients, engaging in light to moderate exercise is part of the recovery plan. So, it is best to engage in light workouts at home when you are finding it hard to go outside. Wear proper LVAD-specific clothing that carries and protects your device for you, and also stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Engage in physical fitness and rehabilitation in a group to stay active socially, and before participating in any exercise, consult with your healthcare professional.

Final Thoughts:

Facing winter with an LVAD can be challenging, but having the right gear makes a big difference. The LVAD HeartMate jacket is specially designed to keep you warm and comfortable while also protecting your device. With features like functional pockets, proper airflow, and easy access to your device, it helps you feel safe and confident. By choosing the right jacket that fits your LVAD, you can enjoy winter more and have peace of mind when you know that your device is safe. Staying warm and managing your device efficiently will improve your overall comfort and well-being during the colder months.

FAQs

How to take care of a heart condition in winter?

To avoid complications with a heart condition, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Also, find a balance between staying warm and cold.

Can you live alone with an LVAD?

Yes, it is possible to live alone with an LVAD. However, it is advisable to have a support system during emergencies or to live with close family members for both care and mental well-being.

What is an LVAD jacket?

LVAD jacket looks like a regular jacket, but has an LVAD functionality which allows you to carry the device in its designated pockets and manage wires effectively with hook and loops.