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.