Prevalence of symptoms in a community-based sample of heart failure patients.

Barnes, Sarah and Gott, Merryn and Payne, Sheila and Seamark, David and Parker, Chris and Gariballa, Salah and Small, Neil A. (2006) Prevalence of symptoms in a community-based sample of heart failure patients. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 32 (3). pp. 208-216. ISSN 0885-3924

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Abstract

This study explored the prevalence and burden of symptoms in a community-based sample of patients aged >60 with symptomatic heart failure. Five hundred forty-two patients were recruited from UK general practices. Participants completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire every 3 months for 2 years. Data are presented at baseline alongside findings from in-depth interviews with patients and focus groups with primary care professionals. Over half the participants experienced breathlessness and/or fatigue daily. Factors identified as predictive of symptom prevalence and burden were as follows: being female; being staged at New York Heart Association Class III or IV; having symptoms of depression; and having two or more comorbidities. Interviews identified other symptoms, including chest pain, nausea, sleep disruption, and confusion. Participants felt that symptoms restricted activities of daily living. Health professionals reported symptom control as being a concern of patients and identified their own educational needs in this area. Findings suggest that symptom prevalence and burden for this population is high. Primary care professionals should offer comprehensive assessment and treatment of symptoms.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
Uncontrolled Keywords:
/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2728
Subjects:
?? heart failuresymptomscommunityolder peopleclinical neurologyanesthesiology and pain medicinegeneral nursingnursing(all)r medicine (general) ??
ID Code:
8228
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
16 Apr 2008 09:33
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
16 Jul 2024 08:45