Prediction of Heart Failure Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life at 12 Months From Baseline Modifiable Factors in Patients with Heart Failure Academic Article uri icon

Abstract

  • Background: In patients with heart failure (HF), good health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is as valuable as, or more
    valuable than, longer survival. However, HRQOL is remarkably poor, and HF symptoms are strongly associated with
    poor HRQOL. Yet, the multidimensional, modifiable predictors have been rarely examined. Objective: The aim of this
    study was to examine the baseline psychosocial, behavioral, and physical predictors of HF symptoms and HRQOL at
    12 months and the mediator effect of HF symptoms in the relationship between depressive symptoms and HRQOL.
    Methods: We collected data from 94 patients with HF (mean ± SD age, 58 ± 14 years). Data included sample
    characteristics, depressive symptoms, perceived control, social support, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional
    class, medication adherence, sodium intake, self-care management, and HF symptoms at baseline, as well as HF
    symptoms and HRQOL at 12 months. Multiple regression analyses were performed to address the purpose. Results:
    Baseline depressive symptoms (P < .001), medication adherence (P = .010), sodium intake (P = .032), and NYHA
    functional class (P = .040) significantly predicted 12-month HF symptoms, controlling for covariates (F = 7.363,
    R2 = 47%, P < .001). Baseline medication adherence (P = .001), NYHA functional class (P < .001), and HF symptoms
    (P = .013) significantly predicted 12-month HRQOL (F = 10.701, R2 = 59%, P < .001). Baseline HF symptoms fully
    mediated the relationship between baseline depressive symptoms and 12-monthHRQOL. Conclusion: Symptoms of HF
    and HRQOL could be improved by targeting multidimensional, modifiable predictors, such as self-care, depressive
    symptoms, and NYHA functional class.
    KEY WORDS: heart failure, longitudinal studies, quality of life, signs and symptoms

Publication Date

  • 2020-04-01