Heart failure and health related quality of life

Rui Coelho1, Sónia Ramos, Joana Prata

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Hospital de S. João, Porto Medical School, Porto, Portugal. rmnscoelho@mail.telepac.pt

Insights

Quality of life is a key goal in cardiology care and clinical trials for congestive heart failure (CHF). Further research is needed to identify patient-centered quality of life measures that impact prognosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Quality of life (QoL) is a critical consideration in both preventive and therapeutic cardiology.
  • It serves as a vital outcome measure in clinical trials for congestive heart failure (CHF).
  • Physicians also consider QoL in individual patient treatment decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review concepts of quality of life in cardiology.
  • To explore methods for measuring quality of life.
  • To discuss clinically significant changes in quality of life and their impact on prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of quality of life concepts.
  • Exploration of measurement methodologies.
  • Discussion of prognostic implications of QoL changes.

Main Results:

  • Quality of life is integral to patient-centered cardiovascular care.
  • Current measurement approaches and their clinical significance are examined.
  • The relationship between QoL and patient prognosis is highlighted.

Conclusions:

  • There is a need for enhanced research focusing on carefully selected QoL measures.
  • Measures should prioritize patient importance and align with research hypotheses.
  • Improved QoL assessment can refine therapeutic decisions and trial outcomes in cardiology.

Related Concept Videos

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations01:26

Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations

Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Heart Failure IV: Classification and Diagnostic Evaluation

Heart failure can be classified in various ways, with the most common classifications based on physical activity limitations, disease progression, severity, and treatment strategies.The Functional Classification of Heart Failure divides patients into four categories based on physical activity limitation due to symptom burden.Class I: Patients in this class have cardiac disease but no physical activity limitations. Ordinary activities like walking, climbing stairs, or routine tasks do not cause...
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions01:30

Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions

The first step in nursing management of a patient with heart failure involves thoroughly assessing the patient's medical history.Subjective Data: Obtain the patient's medical history of coronary artery disease, hypertension, myocardial infarction, and symptoms like dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.Objective Data: Conduct a physical examination to identify findings such as jugular vein distention, pulmonary crackles, tachycardia, murmurs, peripheral edema, and vital signs,...