After undergoing treatment for breast cancer in 2008, Hortencia Wagner was diagnosed with heart failure just five years later, leading to her heart functioning at just 13 percent. Through conversations with her care team and loved ones, Hortencia decided to undergo surgery for a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) to save her life. She now carries her LVAD with her wherever she goes and shares her candid experience of what it’s like.

Also known as pumps, ventricular assist devices (VADs) are mechanical pumping devices designed to help the pump more blood. They work by taking blood from the heart and pumping it to the rest of the body, thus taking the burden off the heart.

To learn more about cardiovascular treatment programs at UC San Diego Health, visit: https://health.ucsd.edu/care/heartva...

Ventricular assist devices, or VADs, are used to treat heart failure. Learn more: https://health.ucsd.edu/care/heartva...