Correlates of health-related quality of life in patients with heart failure.

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with advanced heart failure undergoing heart transplantation evaluation. The overall aim of the study was to determine whether patients' demographic characteristics, functional status, neuroticism, social network, social support, spirituality, and time since symptom onset are related to the physical and mental components of a patient's HRQOL.

Methods: A descriptive, correlational design was used. Patients (N = 61) were recruited from 2 university-affiliated, outpatient, heart failure programs. Data were collected from chart review, a 6-minute walk, and patient-completed instruments. HRQOL, including physical and mental health components, was assessed with use of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).

Results: Demographic characteristics, functional status, neuroticism, social network, social support, spirituality, and time since symptom onset explained 26% of the variability in the physical health component of HRQOL and 44% of the variability in the mental health component of HRQOL in patients with advanced heart failure. In analyzing the data for the most parsimonious model, New York Heart Association classification, 6-minute walk distance, and neuroticism explained 49% of the variability in the mental health component of HRQOL.

Conclusions: New York Heart Association classification, 6-minute walk distance, and neuroticism are related to the mental health component of HRQOL and can be easily included in the assessment of patients with heart failure who are undergoing heart transplantation evaluation. The findings of the current study require replication but may be used to identify patients with heart failure who are potentially at risk for reduced HRQOL.