Thirst and Heart Failure- A Relationship Worth Consideration

Jack Barton | 2014-03-26 16:17:57

The decline in thirst with age is well known both in clinical practice and anecdotally in general populations, however suggestions have been made correlating the severity of heart failure in previously diagnosed patients with the level of self-reported thirst.

In a study published in 2011 (Waldréus, Sjöstrand & Hahn, 2011), a group of individuals aged >65 previously diagnosed with heart failure, who were managing their condition and were admitted to hospital due to a decline in symptoms were tested for self-reported thirst. They completed a questionnaire which was compared to a control group admitted to the geriatric unit with no symptoms of heart failure. Individuals diagnosed with diabetes were excluded from the study. All testing was completed between 7AM and 8AM prior to breakfast shortly after waking.

A significantly higher self-reported level of thirst was found in the heart failure group with the scientists claiming to see a positive correlation between level of thirst and severity of symptomology. Due to the small nature of the study group the results will have to be replicated before any change in clinical practice occurs, as discussed in a recent research review on the top (Waldréus, Hahn & Jaarsma, 2013).

Although research is inconclusive, hydration should be of focus in elderly populations regardless of pre-diagnosed conditions, however the potential relationship between the two may be worth keeping in mind. This is particularly important when addressing adherence to recommendations in accordance to prescribed diuretic medication, which can also make you feel thirsty – possibly a confounder?

 

Jack Barton (Researcher, Rescon Ltd)

References

Waldréus, N., Hahn, R. G., & Jaarsma, T. (2013). Thirst in heart failure: a systematic literature review. European journal of heart failure15(2), 141-149.

Waldréus, N., Sjöstrand, F., and Hahn, R. G. (2011). Thirst in the elderly with and without heart failure. Archives of gerontology and geriatrics53(2), 174-178.