Health-related quality of life after myocardial infarction is associated with level of left ventricular ejection fraction.
BACKGROUND
The objective was to explore the relationship between left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) assessed during hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction (MI) and later health-related quality of life (HRQoL).


METHODS
We used multivariable linear regression to assess the relationship between LVEF and HRQoL in 256 MI patients who responded to the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), the EQ-5D Index, and the EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-VAS) 2.5 years after the index MI.


RESULTS
167 patients had normal LVEF (>50%), 56 intermediate (40%-50%), and 33 reduced (<40%). The mean (SD) KCCQ clinical summary scores were 85 (18), 75 (22), and 68 (21) (p <0.001) in the three groups, respectively. The corresponding EQ-5D Index scores were 0.83 (0.18), 0.72 (0.27), and 0.76 (0.14) (p = 0.005) and EQ-VAS scores were 72 (18), 65 (21), and 57 (20) (p = 0.001). In multivariable linear regression analysis age > or = 70 years, known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), subsequent MI, intermediate LVEF, and reduced LVEF were independent determinants for reduced KCCQ clinical summary score. Female sex, medication for angina pectoris at discharge, and intermediate LVEF were independent determinants for reduced EQ-5D Index score. Age > or = 70 years, COPD, and reduced LVEF were associated with reduced EQ-VAS score.


CONCLUSIONS
LVEF measured during hospitalization for MI was a determinant for HRQoL 2.5 years later.
Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, Oslo, Norway. kjell.pettersen@medisin.uio.no
Kjell I
KI
Pettersen
Elena
E
Kvan
Arnfinn
A
Rollag
Knut
K
Stavem
Aasmund
A
Reikvam
D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D009664:Norway; D011788:Quality of Life; D013318:Stroke Volume; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016277:Ventricular Function, Left