Symptom experience in people with heart failure in the context of Symptom Management Theory

Objective  to identify the experience of symptoms experienced by people with heart failure in functional classes III and IV, using the Theory of Symptom Management.

Method  qualitative, descriptive method, was carried out in the cardiology outpatient clinic and inpatient units of a teaching hospital from January to June 2023, totaling 26 participants diagnosed with heart failure in functional class III and IV. The data were obtained through structured interviews and field diary notes and used to content analysis.

Results  the average age was 65 years old, predominantly people from functional class III. Two thematic categories were obtained: “Perception of heart failure symptoms” and “Assessment of heart failure symptoms”.

Conclusion and implications for the practice  the main experiences identified were: perception of symptoms, such as dyspnea at rest or during exertion, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, chest pain and edema in the lower limbs; evaluation of symptoms, through the judgment of their origin, attributing them to other diseases, comorbidities, or HF itself, and the impacts on activities of daily living, evidenced by limitations in carrying out personal, hygiene, domestic or work activities. The study may contribute to the development of this nursing theory in the country, and supporting planning for individualized care.

Keywords:
Heart Failure; Nursing; Patients; Signs and Symptoms Symptom Assessment