Background

Gender differences exist in structure and function of the heart resulting in HF symptom variation. Previous HF symptom cluster research described symptom clusters that were linked to functional status, mortality, quality of life and rehospitalization. Age and gender differences between cluster groups were described in one study.

Objectives

Identify physical HF symptom clusters and explore age and gender differences between clusters.

Methods

Secondary analysis study of adults with HF. Cluster analysis was conducted using hierarchical agglomerative clustering techniques. A pictorial dendrogram output displays clusters.

Results

Three symptom clusters were identified in this sample of 133 older HF patients that differed by gender (p = 0.04), age (p = 0.00) and beta blocker use (p = 0.01). Symptom clusters were consistent with worsening HF, acute HF and chronic HF.

Conclusion

Symptom clusters differ by age and gender. Education should be directed at increasing patient awareness of their individual symptom clusters.

中文翻译：

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身体心力衰竭症状群的年龄和性别差异

背景

心脏结构和功能存在性别差异，导致心衰症状变异。以前的 HF 症状群研究描述了与功能状态、死亡率、生活质量和再住院相关的症状群。一项研究描述了集群组之间的年龄和性别差异。

目标

识别身体 HF 症状群并探索群之间的年龄和性别差异。

方法

成人 HF 的二次分析研究。使用层次凝聚聚类技术进行聚类分析。图形树状图输出显示集群。

结果

在这个包含 133 名老年 HF 患者的样本中确定了三个症状群，这些症状群因性别 ( p  = 0.04)、年龄 ( p  = 0.00) 和使用 β 受体阻滞剂 ( p  = 0.01) 而不同。症状群与心衰恶化、急性心衰和慢性心衰一致。

结论

症状群因年龄和性别而异。教育应针对提高患者对其个体症状群的认识。