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Health-related quality of life in patients with congestive heart failure

Diana T F Lee1, Doris S F Yu, Jean Woo

  • 1The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Rm 723, Esther Lee Building, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong. tzefanlee@cuhk.edu.hk

European Journal of Heart Failure
|February 19, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Psychological distress and functional status significantly impact congestive heart failure (CHF) patients' health-related quality of life (HRQL). Addressing these factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes and well-being.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Health Psychology
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Congestive heart failure (CHF) significantly impairs physical, psychological, and social functioning.
  • The specific impact of CHF on health-related quality of life (HRQL) remains under-investigated.
  • Previous research has often overlooked the distinct effects of CHF on HRQL, focusing instead on general quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine key demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors influencing HRQL in CHF patients.
  • To elucidate the specific correlates of diminished HRQL within the CHF population.
  • To provide a foundation for targeted interventions to enhance patient well-being.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 227 CHF patients from a Hong Kong general hospital.
  • Data collection included validated measures of HRQL, functional status, psychological state, social support, and health perception.
  • Clinical data were systematically extracted from patient hospital records.

Main Results:

  • Hierarchical regression identified psychological distress, poor health perception, higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) grading, and lower education as significant predictors of poorer HRQL.
  • These factors collectively accounted for 52% of the variance in HRQL scores.
  • Psychological distress and NYHA grading emerged as the most influential factors impacting HRQL.

Conclusions:

  • The study underscores the critical importance of addressing psychological distress and functional limitations in CHF management.
  • Interventions should aim to improve patients' psychological well-being and functional capacity.
  • Fostering a positive health outlook among CHF patients is a vital therapeutic objective.
Abstract

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