The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale

Kalp Yetersizliği Somatik Algı Ölçeğinin Türkçe Geçerlik Ve Güvenirlik Çalışması

The aim of this study is to evaluate The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale in patients with heart failure.

Heart failure is a global health issue that serves as the endpoint for many cardiovascular conditions, particularly coronary heart disease and hypertension. Common symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, dyspnea, edema, cough, lack of energy, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, palpitations, and dizziness. These symptoms significantly affect the health-related quality of life of individuals with heart failure, especially in the palliative phase of the disease. Additionally, heart failure patients often experience physical limitations, reduced quality of life, and an increased rate of hospital admissions due to symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue. The Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale assesses the presence and severity of 18 common physical signs and symptoms of heart failure (e.g. chest pain), as well as dyspnea and its impact on daily activities through six items. Robust and rigorous measures are needed to assess the complexity of heart failure symptoms, and evidence suggests that evaluating a broad range of heart failure symptoms can be beneficial in guiding rehabilitation approaches, clinical decision-making, and survival prediction.

Inclusion Criteria:

A diagnosis of heart failure. Use of optimal pharmacological treatment according to current guidelines for at least 3 months.

Functional capacity classified as New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class I-IV (ambulatory).

Age 18 or older. Ability to cooperate with measurements.

Exclusion Criteria:

Known cognitive impairment. Having undergone acute coronary syndrome, percutaneous coronary intervention, or heart surgery within the past three months.