The final model risk equation for waitlist mortality within 2 years post-LVAD implantation = 0.22*(age in years) + 0.11*BMI – 0.24*albumin + 0.06*total bilirubin + 0.1*natriuretic peptide + 0.21*BUN – 0.04*creatinine – 0.21*hemoglobin – 0.16*platelet + 0.1*WBC – 0.09*LVEDD + 0.09 (if right-sided heart failure present) – 0.03 (if neurologic dysfunction [any type] present) + 0.3 (if infection [all sources] present). This evidence concerns the gene ALB and infection.