PCV85 Effect of Secondary Preventive Measures on the Health Related Quality of Life of Myocardial Infarction Patients

Abstract

To assess the effect of secondary preventive measures on the Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of myocardial infarction patients. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) data from 2004 to 2008 were used to conduct a retrospective longitudinal study which included adults ≥ 18 years with myocardial infarction. The lifestyle modifications considered were smoking cessation, regular exercise and weight control. Pharmacotherapy was defined as the use of aspirin, beta-blockers, statins and ACEI/ARBs. HRQoL was determined on the basis of the SF-12 survey instrument. Two multiple linear regression models for physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores were conducted. The primary independent variables included the secondary preventive measures. The other predisposing, enabling and need variables were identified based on the Andersen Behavior Model. A p-value of 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Non-smokers had a significantly better MCS score as compared to smokers (β = 2.88; CI: 0.90 – 4.85; p = 0.0053). Regular exercise was significantly associated with improvement in PCS (β = 3.28; CI: 1.91 – 4.64; p < 0.001) and MCS (β =1.83; CI: 0.23 – 3.42; p = 0.0255) scores whereas statin use was associated with an improvement in the MCS (β = 3.31; CI: 1.80 – 4.83; p < 0.001). Use of ACE/ARB, beta-blocker or aspirin and normal BMI, however, were not associated with improvement in HRQoL. Lifestyle modifications like smoking cessation and exercise combined with regular use of statins will help to improve HRQoL in patients with myocardial infarction. Thus these measures should be aggressively promoted among myocardial infarction patients.