Heart failure (HF) is the fastest growing cardiovascular disorder in the United States and continues to be associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recognition of symptoms is a critical factor in the diagnosis and treatment of HF because symptoms are key drivers of hospitalizations and health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Our ability to predict who will experience more burdensome symptoms is hindered by the lack of association between objective markers of heart function and symptoms. A critical gap in our knowledge of HF symptom biology is how pulmonary congestion, an objective measure of HF pathophysiology, is related to HF symptoms, self-management behaviors and HRQOL. Accordingly, the overall goals of this study is to determine the association of pulmonary congestion that is detected by devices used in the clinical management of HF with physical symptoms of HF and HRQOL and to examine the role of self-management in moderating the relationship between device-detected congestion, symptoms and quality of life. Employing a longitudinal design and integrating data remotely downloaded from implanted defibrillator/pacemakers and data collected via survey in a cohort of 60 adults with symptomatic HF, we will address two specific aims: 1) quantify the association between device-detected congestion with both HF symptoms and HRQOL and 2) determine the influence of HF self-care management on the relationship between device-detected congestion and HF symptoms and HRQOL. This innovative study will be the first to examine associations between pulmonary congestion and physical HF symptoms and the first to determine the role of patient self-care management in moderating the relationship between device-detected congestion, HRQOL and symptoms of HF. Furthermore, as a research proposal supported by a National Research Service Award, this study will contribute to the development of the applicant into an independent nurse scientist with an influential program of study focusing on biological and behavioral foundations of HF symptoms. The proposed study and training plan integrate the combined clinical and analytic expertise of a well-established interdisciplinary team. This proposed fellowship research and training plan is well-aligned with the mission and goals of National Institute of Nursing Research through the focus on symptom biology, self-management behaviors, and the development of influential and independent nurse scientists.

Public Health Relevance

Heart failure is the only cardiovascular disorder continuing to increase in prevalence in the United States and continues to be associated with high patient mortality. The results of this study will provide insight into the relationships among heart failure biology, symptoms and patient behaviors. The knowledge from this study will inform individualized interventions to minimize symptoms and improve outcomes in patients with heart failure.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31NR016660-01
Application #
9190617
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZNR1)
Program Officer
Banks, David
Project Start
2016-08-01
Project End
2018-07-31
Budget Start
2016-08-01
Budget End
2017-07-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Oregon Health and Science University
Department
Emergency Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
096997515
City
Portland
State
OR
Country
United States
Zip Code
97239
Auld, Jonathan P; Mudd, James O; Gelow, Jill M et al. (2018) Self-care Moderates the Relationship Between Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Failure. J Cardiovasc Nurs 33:217-224
Auld, Jonathan P; Mudd, James O; Gelow, Jill M et al. (2018) Patterns of heart failure symptoms are associated with self-care behaviors over 6 months. Eur J Cardiovasc Nurs 17:543-551