Ocena jakości życia chorych z niewydolnością serca

Heart failure is a pathological condition with a poor prognosis, caused not only by heart disease, but it is also considered as the final stage of various diseases. An elderly causes natural changes that contribute to reduced heart performance. Despite the innovative methods of treatment, the number of these patients is growing rapidly. Experts predict that one out of five people will manifest symptoms of heart failure at some point in their lives, so heart failure should be perceived as a 21st century's epidemic with a component not only health but also economic. Rehospitalisation’s due to exacerbations of the disease are a serious problem, and each subsequent one worsens the quality of life of these patients, including palliative care. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients with heart failure in the cardiology ward and second internal department of the Provincial Specialist Hospital in Włocławek and the health clinic MEDICOR PLUS – Cardiologists in Włocławek. Material and methods. 105 patients with heart failure participated in the study and it was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey. As a research tool, a standardized questionnaire was used, in the Polish language version, concerning health EQ-5D-3L and a self- constructions questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics of the research group and questions enabling the assessment of health behaviour and analysis of the willingness to improve the respondents quality of life. The obtained data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results. There hospitalization number significantly correlate with the quality of life parameters, which support the thesis of the study. The study did not show a significant relationship between the compliance and hospitalizations due to exacerbation of heart failure, which does not support the thesis of the study. The study did not show a statistically significant relationship between the reduced number of hospitalizations and knowledge about heart failure and proper health behaviours. Conclusions. As many as 75% of the patients with heart failure show high interest in the medical institution's activities, associations working for the quality of life improvement and the nurse advices, which support the thesis of the study.