Health related quality of life assessment in heart failure patients

Quality of life questionnaires specific for heart failure patients are presented and the strengths and weaknesses are discussed. All five analysed questionnaires show good psychometric properties although there are differences in their conceptual framework and responsiveness to change. The final informed choice on the questionnaire to be used for a study or in clinical practice should be based on patients characteristics (able to self complete the questionnaire or not), on the type of study (cross sectional or longitudinal, where responsiveness is an important requirement), and dimensions explored.