Self-care and quality of life outcomes in heart failure patients: An enlightening review

Abstract

Heart failure is one of the new epidemics of cardiovascular diseases in the 21st century. It has emerged as an important health problem all over the world, especially in India, with better life expectancy, increased incidence of coronary artery disease and improved survival after acute myocardial infarction. Many common clinical problems encountered in patients with heart failure remain unresolved. The optimal care for patients with heart failure awaits further research. It requires lot of modification in self-care behavior and patients require learning. Nurses play a vital role in the process of health education. The perceptions of individuals affect their self care outcomes. Thus, perceived learning needs form the basis for successful planning and implementation of any educational intervention especially in case of heart failure..