The relationship between pain, fatigue, depression and functional performance in stable heart failure

Heart Lung. 2015 Mar-Apr;44(2):107-12. doi: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2014.07.008. Epub 2015 Jan 6.

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the relationship between pain, fatigue, depression, demographic, clinical, and functional variables in stable heart failure (HF).

Background: Pain, fatigue and depression are common in HF. Little is known about the relationship between pain, fatigue and depression and functional measures in this population.

Methods: Secondary data analysis of a cross sectional study of 173 stable HF patients. Associations between clinical and demographic factors, pain (SF-36), depression (CES-D), and fatigue (MAF) to functional performance and capacity (SF-36 role limitations due to physical functioning and 6-Minute Walk Test) were evaluated using hierarchical multiple regressions.

Results: The sample was 65% male with a mean age of 60. Fifty-seven percent (n = 100) had pain, 54% (n = 94) had fatigue, and 46% (n = 79) had depression. Pain, depression and fatigue were negatively associated with functional performance but not functional capacity when controlling for demographic and clinical covariates.

Conclusions: Pain, fatigue and depression were associated with decreased functional performance in stable HF. Symptom management interventions are needed in HF.

Keywords: Depression; Fatigue; Functional status; Heart failure; Pain.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Exercise Test
  • Fatigue / epidemiology*
  • Fatigue / etiology
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / complications*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / epidemiology*
  • Pain / etiology