CONGRESS ABSTRACT

Background Fatigue is a highly prevalent yet under-recognized symptom in individuals with cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly in those with heart failure. It is strongly associated with reduced exercise tolerance, functional impairment, and diminished quality of life (QoL), and has relevant prognostic implications. Despite its clinical impact, fatigue is not routinely or systematically assessed in cardiovascular care. Nursing advocacy plays a pivotal role in promoting standardized symptom assessment and the implementation of evidence-based fatigue management strategies. Methods A narrative review of the literature was conducted to examine fatigue in adults with cardiovascular conditions and its relationship with QoL. Eligible studies included adult populations with CVD, employed validated instruments to assess fatigue and/or QoL, and reported clinically meaningful outcomes. Data were synthesized using thematic analysis, with particular attention to underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, patient-reported outcomes, and the role of nursing-led interventions in fatigue management. Results Fatigue in CVD, especially in heart failure, arises from complex interactions among hemodynamic impairment, neurohormonal dysregulation, inflammatory activation, and psychological factors. The use of validated assessment tools allowed reliable quantification of fatigue severity and demonstrated a consistent association with poorer QoL and functional status. Nursing-led interventions—such as systematic fatigue assessment, individualized patient education, psychosocial support, and multidisciplinary care coordination were associated with improved symptom recognition, enhanced self-management, and better patient-reported QoL outcomes. Standardized measurement approaches also improved comparability across studies and supported personalized, evidence-based nursing care. Conclusions Fatigue represents a key determinant of QoL in patients with cardiovascular disease. Integrating validated fatigue assessments and structured nursing interventions into routine cardiovascular care may substantially improve symptom management and patient-centered outcomes. Strengthening the role of nurses in fatigue assessment and management should be considered a priority in contemporary cardiovascular practice.