Feasibility of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Implementation among VAD Recipients at an Urban Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Patient charts were reviewed for changes in symptoms and clinical events. Results: The mean age of the patients was 77 §8 ( §SD) years and 73% were female. HTN, CAD and atrial fibrillation were present in 95%, 50% and 41%, respectively. Baseline EF was 61 §6% with evidence of left ventricular concentric remodeling and left atrial dilation. After beta-blocker cessation, NT-proBNP levels declined by -57 §28% (in pg/dL: 1153 §810 vs. 484 §486, p<0.001). Repeat NT-proBNP levels after beta-blocker cessation remained low and none of the patients had a significant clinical event over a one-year follow-up. Conclusions: In stable HFpEF patients, beta-blocker cessation resulted in nearly uniform and sustained reductions in NT-proBNP. These data suggest that beta-blocker cessation is safe and potentially beneficial in stable HFpEF patients. 152Incidence, Trends and Predictors of Palliative Care Consultation among Patients Admitted for LVAD Implantation in the United States