Nutrition for the Advanced Heart Failure and VAD Patient

Abstract

Nutrition screening is imperative for identifying the risk for malnutrition in patients with heart failure and being evaluated for ventricular assist device (VAD) candidacy. The registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) is a vital member of the interdisciplinary team tasked to perform an individualized nutrition assessment and malnutrition diagnosis. The RDN is uniquely qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for numerous medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, pulmonary disorders, critical illness or conditions, malnutrition, organ transplant, and weight management. Nutrition support interventions for optimizing nutrition status prior to VAD implantation, perioperative and postoperative recovery, and long-term weight management will be more successful with an interdisciplinary approach. The RDN should be included in all points of care including inpatient and outpatient management of VAD patients to promote optimal nutrition progress and clinical outcomes.