The association between comorbidities and self-care of heart failure: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Because heart failure (HF) is a debilitating chronic cardiac condition and increases with age, most patients with HF experience a broad range of coexisting chronic morbidities. Comorbidities present challenges for patients with HF to successfully perform self-care, but it is unknown what types and number of comorbidities influence HF patients' self-care. The purpose of this study was to explore whether the number of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular conditions are associated with HF self-care.

Association of psychological distress with reasons for delay in seeking medical care in rural patients with worsening heart failure symptoms.

Background: The impact of depressive symptoms and anxiety on rural patients' decisions to seek care for worsening heart failure (HF) symptoms remains unknown. The purposes of this study were (1) to describe rural patients' reasons for delay in seeking care for HF, and (2) to determine whether depressive symptoms or anxiety was associated with patients' reasons for delay in seeking medical care for worsening symptoms.

Methods: A total of 611 rural HF patients were included.

Hostility predicts mortality but not recurrent acute coronary syndrome.

Background: Hostility is associated with greater risk for cardiac disease, cardiac events and dysrhythmias. Investigators have reported equivocal findings regarding the association of hostility with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) recurrence and mortality. Given mixed results on the relationship between hostility and cardiovascular outcomes, further research is critical.

Effects of an educational intervention on heart failure knowledge, self-care behaviors, and health-related quality of life of patients with heart failure: Exploring the role of depression.

Objectives: To test effects of an educational intervention on patient-reported outcomes among rural heart failure (HF) patients and to examine whether effects differed between patients with and without depression.

Methods: Patients (N = 614) were randomized to usual care (UC) or 1 of 2 intervention groups. Both intervention groups received face-to-face education, followed by either 2 phone calls (LITE) or biweekly calls until they demonstrated content competency (PLUS).

Predictors of Adherence to Self-Care in Rural Patients With Heart Failure.

Background: The common reality of not following a recommended course of treatment is a major cause of poor health outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of adherence to HF self-care recommendations in rural HF patients who received an intervention to promote symptom management and self-care.

Methods: Data from 349 rural HF patients (42% female, 90% Caucasian) randomized to the intervention arms of the study were used.