Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Email: qq. The databases were searched from inception to 18 August for Articles written in English and Chinese. Two researchers independently screened articles based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, and a third researcher adjudicated disagreements. We retrieved articles, of which 26 were included. HF is often accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnoea, fatigue and oedema Allida et al. Recent studies have shown that thirst is another common symptom in patients with HF Allida et al.
Diuretics and fluid restriction are commonly used to treat congestive symptoms in patients with HF Seth et al. However, frequent thirst not only affects the mood of patients, but also causes patients to not comply with drug treatment and fluid restriction, which aggravates the symptoms of HF and leads to the deterioration of patients' condition and the reduction in their quality of life Seth et al.
Therefore, medical staff should pay attention to thirst in patients with heart failure tHF. Thirst is a common disturbing symptom in patients with HF, assessed in four dimensions: intensity, distress, duration and frequency van der Wal et al. Although there are many mechanisms of tHF, the most important one is related to the regulation disorder of neuroendocrine hormones in the body Hou et al.
The reduction in effective circulating blood volume in patients with HF activates neurohormones, increases the secretion of angiotensin and antidiuretic hormone, and stimulates the hypothalamus to produce thirst Hou et al.
Currently, recommended strategies for relieving tHF by medical professionals includeβthe use of ice chips or cubes, gum, sip, mints, frozen fruits in trays, lemonade and artificial saliva, gargling and brushing teeth Allida et al. In addition, there are several interventional studies on tHF, including ice water replacement of warm water Jia et al. Therefore, with the increase in related studies on tHF, it is particularly important to summarise and update the relevant knowledge present.
