Thirst and factors associated with thirst in hospitalized patients with heart failure in China

Thirst is a distressing symptom and increases burden of the patients with heart failure (HF). Knowledge about thirst in HF patients is still not clear in China.To describe thirst intensity, distress, frequency, and duration and to identify factors associated with thirst intensity in hospitalized HF patients in China.A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in two public hospitals in Shanghai, China. Patients were recruited in cardiology wards. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected by the social-demographic and disease-related questionnaire. Thirst was assessed by Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 0-100 mm), Thirst Distress Scale for HF patients (scores 8 to 40) and three questions about thirst frequency and duration. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.Four hundred and thirty-one patients participated in this study. Their mean (SD) thirst intensity was 47 (±22) mm, and the thirst distress was 21(±4). It was found that 75% patients had moderate to severe feeling in thirst intensity and 73% in distress. Most patients experienced thirst several times a week (33%) or several times a month (38%). Most patients (88%) felt thirst for one hour or less. The most intense thirst occurred in the morning (26%), afternoon (19%) and before sleeping (16%). Factors associated with thirst were omeprazole, renal insufficiency, coronary heart disease, high NYHA class and low room humidity. No links were found between physiological indicators of HF (ProBNP) and thirst.HF patients have strong sense of thirst. However, it is rarely identified by healthcare professionals. It is crucial for healthcare providers to keep an eye on patients' thirst symptoms. More attention should be paid to patients with thirst risk factors to minimize the discomfort of thirst.