Living with heart failure: Karachi exploratory study

Background: Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of hospitalisation among older people. It is one of the most debilitating chronic illnesses that severely affect patients' quality of life (QoL) by reducing their physiological as well as psychological capacities. The experiences of patients with HF from Western countries are well-highlighted in the literature, while there is a gap regarding the lived experiences of patients with HF in developing countries. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the experiences of patients living with heart failure in developing countries such as Pakistan. Methods: Using the phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with eight patients living with HF, encompassing variation in their age, gender, income, educational status and level of self-care. The content of the interview was analysed using steps from Morse and Niehaus. Results: The analysis of patients' narratives revealed four major themes: being restrained by the illness; fear of uncertainty; challenging adaptation to health-deviated needs; and role of the healthcare system in self-care. Conclusion: HF imposes limitations upon all dimensions of life owing to its worsening nature. However, in a developing country, the problem is further intensified by the constraints of the healthcare system. Therefore, ways to support patients with HF in developing countries need to be developed to improve their QOL.