Symptom perception, health-related quality of life and predicted survival in heart failure patients

Background: Heart failure (HF) is a chronic and progressive condition that significantly impacts patients' lives, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing their health outcomes. Among these factors, symptom perception, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and predicted survival are paramount. This study aimed to assess symptom perception, HRQoL and predictive survival among HF patients. Methods: A baseline analysis was carried out in a randomized controlled trial involving patients with HF. Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale to assess symptom perception, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire-12 to assess HRQoL and Seattle Heart Failure Model to assess predicted survival were used. Results: Among the 160 patients, 62.5 % were between 36 and 59 years of age and were married (88 %). Hypertension and diabetes were reported in 104 and 94 participants respectively, and among them, 65 participants had both hypertension and diabetes. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 33(%), and 56.5 % of the participants were in New York Heart Association functional class III and IV. The average symptom perception score was 27.4 f 18.3, while the mean HRQoL score was 37.2 f 14.2. The predicted one-year survival score was 80 f 11.5, and the predicted five-year survival score was 38.5 f 21.3. HRQoL showed a significant negative correlation with symptom perception (r = -0.75; p = 0.001) and a positive correlation with one-year survival (r = 0.53; p = 0.001), and five-year survival (r = 0.56; p = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with HF experience persistent symptoms and poor HRQoL. Symptom severity decreases HRQoL. Understanding HRQoL and symptom perception is crucial for developing effective self-care interventions, which are vital for improving patient outcomes and managing HF effectively.