Quality of life in coronary patients and its association with cardiovascular risk

This study examined quality of life among coronary artery disease patients and the association between quality of life and cardiovascular risk.

Coronary artery disease patients are likely to suffer from impaired quality of life due to both functional and psychological limitations. The main objective of this study was to assess quality of life impairments among coronary heart disease patients across 22 European countries and to identify factors associated with quality of life changes between different patients.

Data from a European survey including 8734 coronary heart patients was analyzed in this study. Patients were interviewed and examined at least 6 months after their first acute coronary event. Quality of life was assessed using standardized and validated questionnaires (the EQ-5D and SF-12v2 questionnaires).

Quality of life varied significantly among different patients. Lower quality of life scores were noted in women, older patients, less educated patients, patients with a history of stroke and patients who suffered from recurring coronary events. In addition, low quality of life significantly correlated with known risk factors of additional coronary events such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels and inappropriate glycemic control in diabetic patients.

This study concluded that a large variability exists in quality of life scores between different patient groups. A significant association was noted between reduced quality of life and known risk factors for poor prognosis and additional cardiovascular events. Results suggest that efforts to increase patient quality of life may reduce the incidence of additional cardiovascular events.

This study was based on subjective patient reported data. A direct association between increased quality of life and reduced risk of additional cardiovascular events was not examined.

Consult with your physician regarding methods of increasing quality of life following coronary events.