Patients' perceptions of the causes and consequences of heart failure (HF) symptoms may impact effective self-management. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore patients' perceptions of HF symptom status and the causes and consequences on their daily lives in patients with HF. Descriptive and qualitative data were obtained from 20 patients using a semistructured interview guide. Data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive statistics. Participants reported 15 symptoms (median = 4). Five themes were (a) multiple causes and multiple symptoms; (b) knowing some causes, but still unclear; (c) not being able to live life as previously did; (d) facing emotional distress due to HF symptoms; and (e) development of new priorities and lifestyles. The findings demonstrate that all participants perceived considerable difficulties living with HF symptoms. More comprehensive interventions need to be delivered to patients to manage multiple causes and symptoms effectively.
Keywords: dyspnea; etiology; fatigue; heart failure; perceptions; qualitative research.