Living with heart failure is a heavy burden, and many patients rely on a mechanical pump called a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to keep their hearts pumping. While these devices are life-saving, patients still face the serious risk of stroke. New data from 16 countries helps us understand how these risks vary across the globe.
Researchers looked at over 132,000 patients and found that the global stroke rate for those with an LVAD is about 14 percent. However, the risk is not the same everywhere. Patients in Asia had the highest stroke rates at 18 percent, while those in North America had the lowest at 12 percent.
While stroke rates have remained stable since 2008, some models suggest a downward trend in the coming decade. These findings can help doctors better manage care and create better prevention plans for patients depending on where they live.
