Fatigue in elderly with chronic heart failure: an under-recognized symptom. (October 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lundman, Berit; Bräännströöm, Margareta; Häägglund, Lena; Strandberg, Gunilla
• Is Part Of: Aging health. Volume 5:Number 5(2009)
• Page Start: 619
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2009-10
• Subjects: chronic heart failure -- content analysis -- elderly -- fatigue -- patient; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97005
• DOI: 10.2217/ahe.09.49
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1745-509X

Abstract

In this secondary analysis of interviews with people with chronic heart failure, we examine living with fatigue in terms of obstacles and opportunities on personal, systemic and societal levels. On a personal level, people report that their bodies force them to rest, and to give in to and make space in their lives for fatigue. The need for rest is strong, but resting and inactivity are also regarded as dangerous. The healthcare system provides assistance through home care and technical equipment. However, society imposes obstacles, such as a lack of services in the immediate surroundings that prevent living well. In conclusion, people with chronic heart failure can manage their lives on a personal level by means of selection, optimization and compensation, and the healthcare system can provide further support; however, on a societal level there is lack of resources for those suffering from fatigue due to chronic heart failure.