Quality of life four years after acute myocardial infarction: short form 36 scores compared with a normal population

Abstract

Objectives-To assess the impact of myocardial infarction on quality of life in four year survivors compared to data from "community norms", and to determine factors associated with a poor quality of life. Design-Cohort study based on the Nottingham heart attack register. Setting-Two district general hospitals serving a defined urban/rural population. Subjects-All patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction during 1992 and alive at a median of four years. Main outcome measures-Short form 36 (SF 36) domain and overall scores.Results-Of 900 patients with an acute myocardial infarction in 1992, there were 476 patients alive and capable of responding to a questionnaire in 1997. The response rate was 424 (89.1%). Compared to age and sex adjusted normative data, patients aged under 65 years exhibited impairment in all eight domains, the largest diVerences being in physical functioning (mean diVerence 20 points), role physical (mean diVerence 23 points), and general health (mean diVerence 19 points). In patients over 65 years mean domain scores were similar to community norms. Multiple regression analysis revealed that impaired quality of life was closely associated with inability to return to work through ill health, a need for coronary revascularisation, the use of anxiolytics, hypnotics or inhalers, the need for two or more angina drugs, a frequency of chest pain one or more times per week, and a Rose dyspnoea score of > 2. Conclusions-The SF 36 provides valuable additional information for the practising clinician. Compared to community norms the greatest impact on quality of life is seen in patients of working age. Impaired quality of life was reported by patients unfit for work, those with angina and dyspnoea, patients with coexistent lung disease, and those with anxiety and sleep disturbances. Improving quality of life after myocardial infarction remains a challenge for physicians. (Heart 1999;81:352-358)

A Descriptive Study Done to Assessthe Quality of Life among Post Myocardial Infarction Patients Attending Cardiac OPDs

“…Acute Myocardial Infarction has negative consequences on the health related quality of life of the patients and that leads to lowering of their health related quality of life even several years after the acute myocardial infarction. During the first month after the acute myocardial infarction patients are very vulnerable physically, mentally and emotionally [5]. It has been found that patients after MI reported the impairment in their daily lives, such as household work, physical activities and hobbies.…”

“…A study had found that patients after MI had reported the impairment in their daily life, such as household work, physical activities such as climbing stairs, sexual activities and hobbies, unable to perform the same level of work that they could do before the diagnosis of disease and low mood. Thus, physical and emotional disturbance of an acute MI can have permanent and in many cases, damaging effects on the life styles at post MI, thereby decreasing overall QOL for long run [5]. After coming across the studies related to myocardial infarction and quality of life, interest aroused in the investigator to her investigate and find out the quality of life among post myocardial infarction patients and its association with socio-demographic variables respectively.…”

Health Related Quality of Life in Coronary Patients

“…At the present time, the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) used in this project is the most valid instrument for measuring the quality of life of patients with coronary disease and its use has been proven in the clinical forms of both angina and myocardial infarction (Failde & Ramos, 2000). Likewise, it is an appropriate tool for use in patients who undergo heart surgery and as an evaluative measure in intervention programmes (Brown et al, 1999;Dougherty et al, 1998;Hawkes & Mortensen, 2006;Yu et al, 2003).…”

Impact of depression on sexual dysfunction and HRQoL in CAD patients

“…The HRQoL is defined as "individuals' perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns", according to the World Health Organization [32]. The HRQoL following acute MI is affected by emotional distress, angina pectoris, side effects induced by drug therapy and comorbidities [33]. A study of 198 patients who underwent elective catheterization [34] found that depression and anxiety independently predicted diminished self-reported physical function and activity interference at 6-and 12-month follow-up.…”