IMPACT OF HEART FAILURE TREATMENT ON PATIENTS' QUALITY OF LIFE: A QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS IN A CARDIOLOGY OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN WESTERN PARANÁ

Abstract

This article aimed to investigate the perception of patients with heart failure regarding the impact of pharmacological treatment on their quality of life, considering physical, emotional, and social dimensions. The study employed a quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional approach in a cardiology outpatient clinic in Western Paraná, with a sample of fifty adult patients under continuous treatment. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire composed of eighteen multiple-choice questions and analyzed using descriptive statistics and variable cross-tabulations. The main results revealed that most patients reported significant clinical improvement and high adherence to treatment, despite barriers related to access to medication in the public health system. Although symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue persist, patients described partial functional adaptation and relative emotional stability. The findings highlight the need for broader therapeutic strategies that address not only clinical outcomes but also the effects on daily routines, autonomy, and overall well-being.