Quality of life and lifestyle interventions in heart failure patients

Abstract

Despite significant scientific advances heart failure remains an escalating health problem, globally. Heart failure (CHF) is a clinical syndrome with a high mortality and morbidity. Community-dwelling patients with CHF experience significant symptoms that exert a negative influence on quality of life. Aim: The aim of the present study was to review the literature about factors affecting quality of life in patients with heart failure. Method and material : The method οf this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature, mainly in the pubmed data base which referred to the factors affecting quality of life in patients with heart failure. Results: Despite the recent therapeutic advances, heart failure remains a complex health problem with various personal, social, and financial aspects, and deterioration of the quality of life. According to the literature, the main factors affecting the quality of life of patients with heart failure are the difficulties occurring as the result of functional, cognitive, and emotional impairment, loss of independence depending on the stage of the disease, the level of support from both the family and the social environment, as well as the spirituality, religion and personal beliefs. All the above factors have negative consequences both for the patients and their environment. It is also widely accepted that the economic impact of the disease is considerable, worldwide. Conclusions: As it is supported by published evidence, understanding quality of life in patients with heart failure requires further exploration about their needs. Targeting interventions and supporting measures to promote functional mobility, to ameliorate symptoms and psychological distress, may lead to an improvement in the overall quality of life. The beneficial effect of a supervised nutritional and lifestyle intervention was proved as part of a non-pharmacologic treatment of patients with heart failure, with improvements in clinical status and quality of life