ESC Journals
Living with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can be associated with many burdens and worries for patients. They are often dependent on the support of their spouses. This can also be a burden on the spouses and the relationship. However, the relationships quality of LVAD couples has so far scarcely been investigated. Couple’s mutual coping with stress (dyadic coping, DC), as well as depression are important factors influencing relationship quality. To examine patients’ with an LVAD and their partners’ ability to cope with stress and levels of depression, and the impact these have on relationship quality.
The study investigates relationship satisfaction in couples after LVAD implantation as well as influencing factors such as DC or depression. Differences in relationship quality, DC, and depression between patients and spouses are examined using validated questionnaires.
The results indicate a high rate of depression among LVAD patients and spouses. This study contributes to the knowledge about the mental state of LVAD couples and demonstrates that the spouses should be considered during treatment.