Relationship between gastrointestinal symptom severity and quality of life in patients with heart failure

Abstract Background The haemodynamic disturbances caused by heart failure (HF) affect many systems and organs, including the immune system, brain, kidneys, and musculoskeletal system. By increasing intestinal perfusion, it leads to a decrease in intestinal barrier function, intestinal oedema, and mucosal ischaemia. These changes increase intestinal permeability, allowing microbes to enter the circulation and potentially promoting inflammation. Previous studies have reported that gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and bloating in HF patients, as well as constipation in acute HF patients, are associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation. However, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on the quality of life of HF patients. Purpose The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life in patients with HF. Methods This descriptive and correlational study was conducted between December 2024, and March 2025 with 180 patients. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS), and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), and were analysed using SPSS. Statistical significance was accepted at a level of p0.05. Results Of the participants included in the study, 38.9% were female, 61.1% were male, and their mean age was 69.46 ± 13.22 years. The mean total score of the GSRS was 31.71 ± 10.91, and the mean total score of the MLHFQ was 52.54 ± 20.32. The total MLHFQ score was positively correlated with the total GSRS (r = 0.57; p 0.05), diarrhoea syndrome (r = 0.15; p 0.05), indigestion syndrome (r = 0.46; p 0.05), constipation syndrome (r = 0.43; p 0.05), abdominal pain syndrome (r = 0.40; p 0.05) and reflux syndrome (r = 0.25; p 0.05) scores. According to regression analysis findings, as quality of life deteriorated in HF patients, the severity of indigestion (p = 0.000), constipation (p = 0.000) and abdominal pain (p = 0.018) syndrome scores increased. Conclusion These results indicate that the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly indigestion, constipation and abdominal pain, is significantly associated with a decline in quality of life in patients with HF.