Full spectrum of symptoms associated with heart failure: a mixed method systematic review and narrative synthesis

To investigate European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guideline-defined 'typical' and 'less typical' heart failure (HF) symptoms, as well as non-ESC symptoms, and to explore how ESC-defined symptoms vary by care setting, age, and sex.

Mixed-method systematic review and narrative synthesis through six electronic databases. Quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists. Symptoms were grouped into ESC (typical/less typical) and non-ESC symptoms. Differences in ESC typical and less typical symptoms were investigated in hospital vs. community, <65 vs. ≥65 years old age, and men vs. women. Fifty-eight papers (43 quantitative, 11 qualitative, and 4 mixed-method) were included. Fifty-six out of fifty-eight studies observed at least one of the ESC typical and/or less typical symptoms. Some of the 'less typical symptoms' were rarely reported (e.g. wheezing in three and bendopnea in one). Thirty-eight non-ESC symptoms were observed in 58 studies. Some non-ESC symptoms were commonly observed [e.g. chest pain/discomfort (37/58), difficulty sleeping (32/58), and nausea/vomiting/indigestion (30/58)]. Cough, palpitations, and dizziness were observed more in community than hospital whereas wheezing was observed more in hospital. Typical symptoms (orthopnoea/paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnoea/swelling) were more often observed in cohorts ≥65 (than <65) years of age. Due to the paucity of women in studies, there was little information available to compare symptoms of men and women.

There is a more diverse range of symptoms among HF population than has previously been described. There is need for comprehensive, person-centred symptom assessment protocol and more inclusive clinical guidelines, highlighting symptom variability in HF population across different demographic and clinical variations.

PROSPERO CRD42020185786.