Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
07:09
A Surgical Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction in Tibetan Minipigs
Published on: February 18, 2022
2.5K
Thirst in chronic heart failure: a review
Sabine M Allida1, Sally C Inglis, Patricia M Davidson
1Centre for Cardiovascular & Chronic Care, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW, Australia.
Journal of Clinical Nursing
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Thirst is a common symptom in chronic heart failure, often linked to neurohormonal activation and fluid restriction. While chewing gum may help, more research is needed for effective interventions in heart failure patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Thirst is a prevalent and distressing symptom in chronic heart failure (CHF).
- Current management strategies for thirst in CHF patients are limited.
- Understanding thirst in CHF is crucial for improving patient care and adherence to treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors contributing to thirst in patients with chronic heart failure.
- To identify and describe potential interventions for alleviating thirst in CHF patients.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
- Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus.
- Nine studies meeting eligibility criteria (CHF diagnosis, thirst as outcome) were included.
Main Results:
- Factors contributing to thirst in CHF include prolonged neurohormonal activation, pharmacological treatments, fluid restriction, and emotional distress.
- No intervention studies specifically targeting thirst in CHF patients were identified.
- Interventions like artificial saliva and chewing gum show promise but require investigation in CHF populations.
Conclusions:
- Thirst significantly impacts CHF patients and may lead to poor adherence to fluid restrictions.
- Chewing gum is a potential intervention for thirst relief, warranting further study in CHF.
- Enhanced clinical awareness and targeted interventions for thirst can improve the quality of life for CHF patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies
614
Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
614
01:30Heart Failure V: Medical Management
594
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...
594
01:22Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics
1.3K
Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
1.3K
01:27Heart Failure I: Introduction
1.4K
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...
1.4K
01:30Heart Failure VII: Nursing Interventions
771
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,...
771
01:29Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology
1.6K
Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
1.6K