Experiencing the possibility of near death on a daily basis: A phenomenological study of patients with chronic heart failure

Background: Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a syndrome that greatly impacts people’s lives. Due to the poor prognosis of CHF, together with the frequent exacerbations of symptoms, death is a topic that is very present in the lives of patients with CHF. Objective: To explore thoughts about death experienced by patients with chronic heart failure in their daily lives. Methods: A hermeneutic phenomenological study was carried out. Conversational interviews were con- ducted with 20 outpatients with chronic heart failure. Analysis of the responses was based on the method proposed by van Manen. Results: From the analysis, four main themes emerged: (1) Feeling afraid of the possibility of dying; (2) Accep- tance of the possibility of death; (3) Desiring death for relief from suffering; and (4) Striving to continue liv- ing to enjoy family. Conclusions: This study presents, as a novel finding, that people with CHF experience the possibility of near death on a daily basis. This experience, which they must encounter on their own, makes them afraid. In addi- tion, some of them, in view of the discomfort they are living, wish to die, with some even considering committing suicide