Health related quality of life of patients after myocardial infarction

Abstract

Background. Cardiovascular disease, mainly coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and hypertension continue to be the major threat for the health and life of Poles. A heart attack is usually the result of improper lifestyle, combining a number of factors, among others, risks related to diet, the intensity of modern life, as well as the ongoing development of civilization. Cardiovascular diseses lead to dissatisfaction, a sense of lesser value and limit of patient's social role functioning. Quality of life after myocardial infarction facilitates the selection of the method of treatment and enables its acceptance by the patient. Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life of patients after myocardial infarction. Material and methods. The study of quality of life of patients was performed in 50 patients who are after myocardial infarction, treated in general practice in Wroclaw. The materials were developed based on a survey prepared by the authors consisting of 11 questions and the quality of life questionnaire, Short Form-36 (SF-36), which is a tool for assessing the overall quality of life of dependent care. Results. From the analysis of our research we have found a lower quality of life after myocardial infarction, particularly in the level of physical activity (PCS), which was 37.01 points, while the level of mental activity (MCS) is higher and it is 39.42 points. The analysis shows that the daily limit due to the influence of the disease on the domain of the physical role (RP) significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. Conclusions. 1. In patients after myocardial infarction we have showed a significant decrease in quality of life. The analysis shows that the myocardial infarction, not only has an impact on the burden of physical domain, but also has an effect on mental state and social functioning of patients. 2. The largest group of patients had a hypertension , it was 35 people. It shows that hypertension is a major risk factor which reduces mental activity level (MCS). 3. In women with a history of myocardial infarction domain analysis on mental health (MH) showed that, compared to men with a history of myocardial infarction states poorer quality of life. 4. In men with a history of myocardial infarction analysis of the level of physical activity (PCS) showed that compared to a group of women found a reduced quality of life. 5. The study of quality of life should be helpful in choosing the most suitable procedure in the planning and implementation of care, taking into account the patient's well-being and functioning in everyday life.