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.