Abstract 16624: Patients’ Perspectives on the Impact and Management of Angina - Preliminary Results of the PACT-ANGINA International Survey

Abstract

Introduction: PACT-ANGINA is a quality improvement initiative aimed to improve the understanding of challenges in the management of angina and chronic coronary syndromes. Hypothesis: An international patient survey is conducted to assess how angina and its management affect patients’ lives and what patients want in terms of the management of their angina. Methods: A working group that included 9 cardiologists and 7 patient representatives developed an online, anonymous questionnaire. Patients with angina were invited to take part in the survey by patient organizations and treating physicians. Results: Between January and June 2023, the survey was completed by 891 patients in 21 countries. The proportion of female patients was 46%. Among participants, 57% had been diagnosed with angina for 2 years or less, and 54% had never undergone a percutaneous coronary intervention. The proportion of patients with no history of smoking was 65% and the most common self-reported concomitant diseases were hypertension (49%), diabetes (38%) and dyslipidemia (23%). Pain, tightness, pressure or discomfort in the chest (89%), shortness of breath (44%), and fatigue (39%) were the most frequently reported symptoms, and 34% of participants felt that their physical activities were very or extremely limited by angina symptoms. The proportion of respondents who felt that angina was having a great or extreme impact on their quality of life was 37%. When asked to rate the relative importance of 9 treatment objectives, respondents assigned the highest priority to 1) reducing angina attacks and symptoms, 2) avoiding hospitalizations, and 3) prolonging their life as much as possible. Among different aspects of care, those considered the most important by respondents to improve the management of their angina were 1) a better follow-up of their symptoms, 2) practical and easy-to-understand information, and 3) lifestyle changes counseling. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that patients with angina are often limited by their symptoms, which impact their quality of life. Patient-centered management of angina is necessary to improve clinical care of such a common cardiac condition.