Factors influencing health-related quality of life after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Abstract

AimsThis study compared health-related quality of life (HRQOL) between patients aged ≥70 and <70years at 4weeks and 6months after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) and examined predictors of HRQOL. BackgroundHRQOL is an important patient outcome following PPCI for ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) including pre-hospital field triage. MethodsA comparative cohort design was conducted on STEMI patients undergoing PPCI. HRQOL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at 4weeks and 6months post-PPCI. ResultsHRQOL improved significantly from 4weeks to 6months in all aspects measured except anginal frequency and mental health. Patients aged ≥70years had poorer physical HRQOL (SF-12) and physical limitations (SAQ), but better mental HRQOL (SF-12), angina frequency and QOL (SAQ) at both time points. Age, length of hospital stay, gender, partnership status and number of stents deployed are independent predictors of HRQOL improvement over time. ConclusionPeople ≥70years reported better cardiac-specific quality of life, primarily from angina relief and improved mental function, despite worse physical limitations. HRQOL assessment is an important gauge of health status after PPCI for STEMI.