The quality of life of people suffering from cardiac diseases. Own research conducted in the province of Opole

Abstract

Background. The main worldwide causes of death of elderly people are cardiac diseases [1]. Therefore, it is of priority on the agenda of medical service employees to implement primary and secondary preventive measures, and also to ensure that people suffering from cardiac deceases are provided an appropriate, i.e. maximally high, quality of life, a problem that should be investigated and assessed from two points of view, i.e. subjective and objective [2, 3]. Objectives. Analysis of answers of patients suffering from protracted cardiac diseases regarding their quality of life, and identification of factors of the most importance that influence the quality of life. Material and methods. The research has been conducted based on an unrepresentative sample poll consisting of 50 randomly selected residents of the Opole province, who agreed to answer a questionnaire comprising of 15 questions that has been created by the authors. The criteria for selecting respondents were based on a presence of cardiac diseases. The analysis of results has been conducted with a use of Statistica 10 software. Results. Based on the analysis conducted it was found that 40% (20 persons) of the respondents suffer from an arterial hypertension, and then respectively, from heart ischemia (16% – 8 persons) and from heart failure (14% – 7 persons). Among all respondents 23 (46%) answered that they reacted with fear and anxiety when a diagnosis was presented to them, whilst in the case of 13 (26%) respondents it was interest that prevailed. Family and continuous contact with family, as well as lack of illnesses and pain related diseases are the most significant factors that determine the high quality of life (both 40% – 20 persons). At the same time, half of respondents (50% – 25 persons) stated that their life satisfaction decreased, when compared to the situation from before the illness had occurred, and the major constraints in everyday functioning are fast walking (64% – 32 persons) and walking the stairs (56% – 28 persons). Conclusions. 1. An arterial hypertension was the most frequent cardiac disease occurring among respondents. 2. For interviewees factors that influence the quality of life the most are family and contact with family as well as lack of illnesses and pain related diseases. 3. Half of respondents stated that their life satisfaction decreased, when compared to the situation from before the illness had occurred.