Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
04:24

Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: September 5, 2025

1.5K

Fatigue in the presence of coronary heart disease

Ann L Eckhardt1, Holli A Devon, Mariann R Piano

  • 1Ann L. Eckhardt, PhD, RN, is Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, Illinois Wesleyan University, Bloomington. Holli A. DeVon, PhD, RN, is Associate Professor; Mariann R. Piano, PhD, RN, is Professor and Department Head; Catherine J. Ryan, PhD, RN, is Clinical Assistant Professor; and Julie J. Zerwic, PhD, RN, is Professor and Executive Associate Dean, Department of Biobehavioral Health Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago.

Nursing Research
|March 5, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Stable coronary heart disease patients experience significant fatigue, with women reporting higher intensity and interference. Depressive symptoms uniquely predict fatigue levels in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Psychology
  • Health Services Research

Background:

  • Fatigue is a common, disabling symptom in various cardiovascular conditions.
  • Fatigue has not been previously studied in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe fatigue levels in stable CHD patients.
  • To identify demographic, physiological, and psychological correlates of fatigue.
  • To examine the association between fatigue and health-related quality of life.

Main Methods:

  • 102 patients with stable CHD completed validated questionnaires for fatigue, depressive symptoms, and quality of life.
  • Qualitative interviews were conducted with a subset of patients to explore fatigue experiences.
  • The study employed a partially mixed sequential dominant status design.

Main Results:

  • 40% of patients reported significant fatigue.
  • Women reported higher fatigue intensity and interference than men.
  • Depressive symptoms were the only significant predictor of both fatigue intensity and interference.

Conclusions:

  • Clinically relevant fatigue is present in patients with stable CHD.
  • Standardized measures may underestimate the fatigue burden, as patients may adapt and discount their symptoms.
  • Depressive symptoms are a key target for managing fatigue in this population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue08:56

Evaluating the Role of Mitochondrial Function in Cancer-related Fatigue

Published on: May 17, 2018

8.6K
Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders06:39

Intracoronary Acetylcholine Provocation Testing for Assessment of Coronary Vasomotor Disorders

Published on: August 18, 2016

16.4K

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
620
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
943
Imbalances in Cardiac Output01:26

Imbalances in Cardiac Output

The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
3.3K
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...
1.2K
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.8K
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
1.1K