Why Some LVAD Patients Might Feel Cold or Dry and What It Means?

When we think about heart failure symptoms, we often picture things like chest pain, swelling in the legs & feet, and shortness of breath. But there is another side to it, which often gets ignored and we talk less about, yet still it is a problem for many patients: feeling cold and dry. 

In the treatment of heart failure, when you receive a mechanical heart device like LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device, you might have some expectations that those symptoms to disappear, which gives you hope to get better. And that is justified, because what else is a mechanical heart pump designed for if not improving blood flow and helping your heart do its job better? 

So, what does it mean when you continue to feel cold and dry even after the treatment? Let’s walk you through the guide that tells you about why it happens, what it means, and when you should be concerned about this.

What are Cold and Dry Patients?

Before getting into the details, understand what it means when we say cold and dry. No, it is not something that is related to how your skin feels. It is more than that. It is associated with medical terms. Cold and dry patients are those with end-stage heart failure and low pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP). If we put it in simple terms, your body is not getting enough blood. Your arms, legs, & feet feel cold, and the lungs are not congested with fluid, which indicates low cardiac output or cardiac insufficiency.

What is PCWP?

PCWP or pulmonary capillary wedge pressure is actually the amount of blood in the left upper chamber of the heart, which measures the pressure building in the left side of your heart. PCWP is used when the doctor suspects that something is going on with the heart, like heart failure or valvular dysfunction. PCWP can affect the treatment response of each patient, and also justifies the reason why you feel cold and dry. 

What does an LVAD do?

Think of an LVAD as an assist in pumping blood. When your heart becomes insufficient, an LVAD or Left Ventricular Assist Device is surgically implanted in your heart to restore blood circulation. The LVAD pump works to move blood from the ventricle to the rest of your body. 

An LVAD consists of an LVAD pump, batteries, driveline, and the controller. The whole system is designed to provide relief from heart failure symptoms. However, it can be used as destination therapy or a bridge to transplant.

How can LVAD improve symptoms of Cold and Dry Patients?

LVAD is designed to improve symptoms by increasing blood perfusion and restoring blood supply to every organ and tissue. The hands and feet receive a normal flow of blood and do not experience coldness and dryness. Here, one thing is concerning. Many of the patients, even after receiving an LVAD, experience the same symptoms. Why does it happen? Well, here comes the effect of PCWP.

How does PCWP affect LVAD outcomes?

A normal PCWP helps your LVAD work smoothly. The pressure must be in the normal range to provide you with the benefit. But when it is too low, it can affect your LVAD functioning. In simple terms, Low PCWP means your LVAD is not getting enough blood to pump. On the other hand, when PCWP is too high, it can put your heart under strain. 

According to a study, LVAD proved beneficial to those with normal PCWP, while in patients with low PCWP, it is still unclear whether LVAD benefits them or not. However, they show significant improvement in quality of life, the same complications, and similar survival rates. It still needs further attention and studies to verify if such patients should go for LVAD or not. 

When Should You Be Concerned about Cold and Dry Patients after LVAD?

Although LVAD shows less improvement in functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with low PCWP, its significance in improving the general condition of the patient cannot be fully ignored. LVAD in such patients needs proper care, observation, and regular checkups to prevent any serious issues. But you should know when to show concern and report to your doctor. Here is a checklist:

• You notice blue or purple fingers or toes
• You feel dizzy, confused, or unusually tired
• Your skin becomes very dry or cracked
• You are experiencing shortness of breath, especially when lying down
• Your LVAD controller starts giving alarms or battery warnings

It is always better to be safe than regretful, so always take action when you sense something unusual. Never hesitate to reach out to your medical team.

LVAD Device Management and Care:

When you are already dealing with such complications, the last thing you might want is device damage or tugging on the driveline. To avoid this, you need to wear proper LVAD apparel, like LVAD vests, LVAD shirts, or LVAD bags.

Don’t know where to get the right LVAD clothing? Don’t worry, we've got you covered. LVADGear has been providing premium-quality products with both functionality and comfort. Each product is designed to safely accommodate your LVAD device controller and batteries, so that you can safely live a better quality of life.

Final Thoughts:

Cold and dry patients after getting an LVAD may face some issues with blood flow and pressure in your heart. While LVADs help pump blood and improve symptoms, some patients with low pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) may get less benefit, but taking care of your LVAD device and wearing the right apparel can help you maintain a better quality of life.

FAQs

What does high PCWP mean?

A high PCWP means the pressure of blood in the left side of the heart is increasing and putting strain on your heart. 

What is the most common complication of an LVAD patient?

The most common complications of an LVAD patient are bleeding and infection after surgery. But with proper care and follow-ups, you can avoid such complications.

What happens if the LVAD battery dies?

If the LVAD battery dies, the LVAD pump loses its power source and will stop pumping blood. Always carry an extra pair of fully charged batteries with you, wherever you go.

What should you not do with an LVAD?

Certain things should be avoided after an LVAD, like swimming, exercising excessively when you are still recovering, and pulling on the driveline.