IMPACT OF HEART FAILURE ON QUALITY OF LIFE: AN INVESTIGATION INTO HOW HEART FAILURE AFFECTS PATIENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE, INCLUDING PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS (Atena Editora)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Heart failure (HF) encompasses a broad range of symptoms and etiologies, including structural and functional abnormalities of the heart. Diagnosis involves a thorough clinical assessment combined with imaging studies and biomarker evaluations. Patients with HF often experience a significant decline in quality of life due to physical symptoms, psychological distress, and social challenges. Physical limitations such as reduced exercise tolerance and muscle weakness are common, compounded by psychological factors like depression and anxiety. Addressing these multifaceted aspects requires comprehensive management strategies focusing on optimizing medical therapy, promoting physical activity, and addressing psychosocial needs to enhance functional capacity and overall well-being in HF patients. OBJETIVE: Analyze and describe the main aspects of the impact of HF on quality of life: an investigation into how heart failure affects patients' quality of life, including physical, psychological and social aspect in the last years. METHODS: This is a narrative review, which has used descriptors such as “heart failure” AND “epidemiology” AND “quality of life” AND “psychological” in the last 10 years in MEDLINE – PubMed (National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health), COCHRANE, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: potential targets for interventions to improve quality of life QoL in HF patients involves symptom management strategies, both pharmacological and non-pharmacological. Pharmacological interventions, such as guideline-directed medical therapies including ACEIs, beta-blockers, and diuretics, aim to improve symptom control and reduce hospitalizations. Non- pharmacological approaches like exercise training, dietary modifications, and weight management play a vital role in enhancing physical function and QoL. Psychosocial support programs focusing on counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and support groups address emotional distress and improve mental well- being. Healthcare delivery innovations, such as telemedicine, remote monitoring, and transitional care programs, enhance access to care and optimize medication adherence, ultimately improving QoL outcomes in HF patients. By integrating these comprehensive approaches, healthcare providers can effectively address the multifaceted challenges of HF and improve patient outcomes and overall well- being. CONCLUSION: In summary, HF imposes significant challenges across physical, psychological, and social domains, profoundly affecting the quality of life of affected individuals. Physical limitations due to compromised exercise tolerance and activities of daily living, coupled with the psychological burden of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress, contribute to the multifaceted impact of HF. Moreover, HF disrupts social relationships, leading to caregiver stress, family dynamics alterations, and social isolation. Various determinants, including symptom burden, treatment adherence, socioeconomic status, and access to healthcare, influence quality of life outcomes, highlighting the need for tailored interventions.