Symptoms can be conceptualized as multidimensional in
nature with components that include frequency, severity and
distress [22]. Effective symptom management requires
assessment of the multiple dimensions of symptoms, not
merely the presence or absence. Absolute freedom from all
symptoms may not be a realistic outcome in patients with
heart failure. Recognizing this, nurses must direct their care
to minimize the frequency, severity, distress and overall
symptom burden to the extent possible. Moreover, it is
important that clinicians appreciate the full range of
symptoms that can affect patients with heart failure.
Emerging evidence indicates that the symptom experience
of patients with heart failure may be substantially more
complex than initially thought