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Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Heart Failure Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Sánchez-González, Juan Luis; Almenar-Bonet, Luis; Moreno-Segura, Noemí; Gurdiel-Álvarez, Francisco; Atef, Hady; Sillero-Sillero, Amalia; López-Vilella, Raquel; Santolalla-Arnedo, Iván; Juárez-Vela, Raúl; Tejada-Garrido, Clara Isabel; Marques-Sule, Elena

Authors

Juan Luis Sánchez-González

Luis Almenar-Bonet

Noemí Moreno-Segura

Francisco Gurdiel-Álvarez

Amalia Sillero-Sillero

Raquel López-Vilella

Iván Santolalla-Arnedo

Raúl Juárez-Vela

Clara Isabel Tejada-Garrido

Elena Marques-Sule



Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 lockdown has been associated with reduced levels of physical activity, quality of life, and sleep quality, but limited evidence exists for its impact on heart failure patients. This study examined the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on these aspects in heart failure patients, with specific comparisons by age and sex.

Methods: A quasi-experimental cross-sectional study of patients with heart failure was conducted. The assessment involved two time points: during the COVID-19 lockdown (March to June 2020) and post-lockdown (July to October 2020). A total of 107 HF patients participated, with assessments of overall PA (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), QoL (employing the Cantril Ladder of Life), and sleep quality (utilizing the Minimal Insomnia Symptom Scale) conducted during and after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Results: HF patients reported lower levels of total PA (p = 0.001) and walking PA (p < 0.0001) during lockdown than after lockdown, whilst no differences were observed in QoL nor sleep quality. In addition, both younger and older patients reported lower walking PA and total PA during lockdown than after lockdown, while older patients reported lower QoL during lockdown than after lockdown. Moreover, both men and women reported lower walking PA and total PA during lockdown than after lockdown, whilst women reported lower QoL.

Conclusions: HF patients need improved PA programs during lockdowns, as these programs can elevate PA levels and enhance QoL, especially when faced with the risk of decompensation during health crises.

Citation

Sánchez-González, J. L., Almenar-Bonet, L., Moreno-Segura, N., Gurdiel-Álvarez, F., Atef, H., Sillero-Sillero, A., …Marques-Sule, E. (2023). Effects of COVID-19 Lockdown on Heart Failure Patients: A Quasi-Experimental Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 12(22), Article 7090. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227090

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Nov 9, 2023
Online Publication Date Nov 14, 2023
Publication Date Nov 14, 2023
Deposit Date Nov 27, 2023
Journal Journal of Clinical Medicine
Publisher MDPI
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 12
Issue 22
Article Number 7090
DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12227090
Keywords COVID-19; heart failure; physical activity; quality of life; sleep quality