A Multidimensional Profile of Quality of Life in Patients Living with Long-Term Mechanical Circulatory Support

Background/Objectives: Despite advances in diagnostics, prevention, and therapy, heart failure (HF) remains the leading cause of death among cardiovascular diseases. The prognosis for patients remains unfavorable, and their quality of life is severely reduced. In end-stage HF, the only remaining treatment options are heart transplantation (OHT) or the use of long-term mechanical circulatory support (MCS). Methods: This study had a cross-sectional, observational design. Three research tools were utilized: (1) an original metric-clinical questionnaire covering sociodemographic variables (age, sex, education, weight, height, place of residence) and self-reported clinical data (Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) pump model, date of implantation, controlled parameters, comorbidities, estimated ejection fraction, physical activity); (2) the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ)-a validated, standardized, and translated into Polish anonymous questionnaire; and (3) the Short-Form Survey (SF-36)-a validated, standardized, and translated into Polish anonymous questionnaire. Results: The conducted analysis revealed that patients treated with MCS demonstrated higher quality of life (QoL) across all analyzed aspects. The effect size for the differences was moderate (for bodily pain assessment) or strong (for all other dimensions). The presence of LVAD support explained the largest percentage of variance in QoL, determining the QoL score at 21.9%. Conclusions: The use of MCS is associated with a significantly higher patient QoL in all analyzed dimensions compared to individuals without support. The obtained results emphasize the importance and role of LVAD therapy as an effective therapeutic option associated with higher QoL in patients diagnosed with end-stage HF, which serves as a compelling argument in clinical decision-making regarding qualification for treatment.