Age and angina as predictors of quality of life after myocardial infarction: a prospective comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives were to compare quality of life (QoL) after first myocardial infarction with an age- and sex-adjusted normative population and to test whether the 1-month QoL had predictive properties.


METHODS
QoL was assessed by self-administered questionnaires (SF-36 and Cardiac Health Profile) 1, 3 and 6 months after index-event. Participants were 60 consecutive patients (20% women) with a mean age of 58 +/- 7.4 years.


RESULTS
Patients > or =59 years improved in Physical (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS), scoring comparable to community norms at 6 months. However, patients <59 years improved in PCS but not in MCS. and scored significantly below community norms in both PCS (x = 44.7, CI 40.6-48.7 vs x = 50.3, CI 49.3-51.4) and MCS (x = 45.9, Cl 41.8-49.9 vs. x = 51.3, CI 50.3-52.4) at 6 months. Predictors for MCS were age (p = 0.025) and Vitality (p = 0.020) both positively related to QoL. Predictors for PCS were Physical Function (p = 0.003) and CCS score (p < 0.001) where angina grade was negatively related to QoL.


CONCLUSIONS
Because of impaired mental recovery in younger post-infarction patients, their need of special attention in the rehabilitation process must not be overlooked.
Bengtsson
I
I
Department of Anaesthesia & Intensive Care, Kungälvs, Sjukhus, Sweden. inger.m.bengtsson@vgregion.se
Hagman
M
M
Wedel
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D015906:Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology