ObjectiveWe have investigated whether perceived quality of life has an impact on long-term survival after a cardiac event.DesignMale (n=316) and female (n=97) patients were assessed by means of a self-administered quality of life questionnaire 1 year after either acute myocardial infarction (n=296), coronary artery bypass grafting surgery (n=99) or percutaneous coronary intervention (n=18). Inclusion period was 1989–1991. Ten years after the last patient answered the 1-year questionnaire, mortality (status factor) up to census date was analysed using nine dimensions of quality of life as covariates (Cox regression).ResultsAt 1-year assessment, subjective general health (RR=3.15), perceived arrhythmia (RR=1.72), experience of sex life (RR=1.55), perceived breathlessness (RR=1.50) and experience of self-esteem (RR=1.48) were all significantly related to death within the period up to census date.ConclusionThe findings highlight that the patients’ own experience of his or her quality of life, has a prognostic importance for long-term mortality after a cardiac event. Clinicians should be aware that a careful monitoring of perceived quality of life is an important part of good patient care.