OBJECTIVES

64 million people are currently affected by Heart Failure (HF). Core symptoms of HF include shortness of breath, fatigue and fluid retention, which can have a great impact on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The exact extent to which patients’ HRQoL is affected by HF remains unknown. We sought to understand the broad impact HF can have on various facets of patients’ lives as well as to estimate the benefit of improving various dimensions of QoL to the HF patient, healthcare system and society.

METHODS

Multiple round table discussions with HF patient representatives were held on a regular basis in 2020-2021 to discuss the impact of HF on HRQoL from a patient’s perspective. Following the initial discussions, a pan-European survey amongst people living with HF (n= 800) was conducted to validate the qualitative findings from the discussions and quantify the impact of HF on patients’ HRQoL. The survey consisted of 35 multiple-choice questions assessing HF disease background, HRQoL prior- and post HF diagnosis, and current and desired HRQoL assessment and management in clinical practice. Individual survey results were aggregated and analyzed quantitatively using Microsoft Excel (v2104) by two independent investigators. As part of the questionnaire, demographic questions enable patient segmentation and detailed analysis.

RESULTS

Preliminary findings, which will promptly be confirmed, revealed that HF impacts patients’ physical and emotional well-being, social relationships, personal development, and productivity. The qualitative and quantitative input has provided evidence on the broad impact of HF on patients’ HRQoL and has helped define the benefit of improving various dimensions of HRQoL to the HF patient, healthcare system and society.

CONCLUSIONS

Heart failure has a broad impact on various aspects of HRQoL. Our final evidence may show that focusing on improving quality of life will result in major benefits for the HF patient, the entire healthcare system and society.