BACKGROUND

Dysphagia is an important clinical problem in older adults with heart failure. Moreover, evidence is scarce regarding the prevalence and impact of dysphagia on physical function in these patients.

AIMS

This study examined the association of dysphagia and physical function in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study included consecutive 149 (mean age 78.6 years, 72 women) inpatients in an acute-care hospital. Outcomes included the Food Intake Level Scale (FILS) and Barthel Index (BI) as indicators of dysphagia status and physical function, respectively. Multivariate analyses were used to determine whether FILS scores on admission and at the point of heart failure stabilization were associated with BI at discharge.

RESULTS

Of the 149 patients, 14 (9.4%) had dysphagia at the time of stabilization of heart failure. Patients with dysphagia (FILS score < 7) were significantly older, more demented, exhibited lower muscle mass and strength, walked shorter distances, and had lower energy and protein intakes, longer length of stay, and lower BI scores (all, p < 0.05) compared to those without dysphagia. Multiple regression analyses showed that FILS score was independently associated with BI at discharge (β = 0.364, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Dysphagia was associated with declined physical function in patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation following heart failure. Early detection and management of dysphagia can promote timely functional recovery in these patients.