Although left ventricular assist device (LVAD) therapy improves survival, ~20% of recipients continue to suffer from significant functional limitations.

With the use of data from the Heartmate II bridge-to-transplant and destination therapy clinical trials, baseline determinants of quality of life (QOL) and functional capacity (FC) response were investigated.

Baseline preoperative correlates of RV dysfunction as well as history of diabetes were associated with reduced FC response to LVAD therapy, and history of diabetes and COPD were independently associated with reduced QOL response.

Positive QOL and FC responses were both associated with improved survival.

Comorbid conditions, including diabetes, COPD, and right heart failure, may limit response to LVAD therapy and should be considered during patient selection.