title: The association between self-reported lifestyle changes and health-related quality of life in coronary patients: the EUROASPIRE III survey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Patients with coronary heart disease often suffer from an impaired health-related quality of life (HRQoL). A healthier lifestyle not only extends individuals' lengths of life but might also improve their HRQoL. The aim of this study was to explore the relation between self-reported lifestyle changes and HRQoL in European coronary patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data on 8745 coronary patients, from 22 countries, participating in the EUROASPIRE III survey (2006-2007) were used. These patients hospitalized for coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention, acute myocardial infarction, or myocardial ischaemia were interviewed and examined at least 6 months and no later than 3 years after their hospital admission to gather information on their HRQoL, self-reported lifestyle changes, and risk factors.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significantly better HRQoL scores were found in ex-smokers compared to current smokers. Patients who made an attempt to increase their physical activity level had a better HRQoL compared to those who had not made an attempt. Furthermore dietary changes were associated with HRQoL, with better outcomes in patients who tried to reduce fat and salt intake and increase fish, fruit, and vegetable intake. The intention to change behaviour was not associated with HRQoL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Better HRQoL scores were found in those coronary patients who adopted a healthier lifestyle. The actual lifestyle changes - smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, and adopting a healthy diet - and not the intention to change are associated with better HRQoL outcomes.
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium Delphine.desmedt@ugent.be.
authors: Delphine
authors: D
authors: De Smedt
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
authors: Els
authors: E
authors: Clays
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussel, Belgium.
authors: Lieven
authors: L
authors: Annemans
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
authors: Hedwig
authors: H
authors: Boudrez
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium AZ Maria Middelares Hospital Gent, Gent, Belgium.
authors: Johan
authors: J
authors: De Sutter
authors: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.
authors: Frank
authors: F
authors: Doyle
authors: Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors: Catriona
authors: C
authors: Jennings
authors: Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors: Kornelia
authors: K
authors: Kotseva
authors: Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland.
authors: Andrzej
authors: A
authors: Pająk
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
authors: Sofie
authors: S
authors: Pardaens
authors: University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
authors: Christof
authors: C
authors: Prugger
authors: Imperial College London, London, UK.
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Wood
authors: Ghent University, Gent, Belgium.
authors: Dirk
authors: D
authors: De Bacquer
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001835:Body Weight; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D003625:Data Collection; D005060:Europe; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D057566:Self Report; D012907:Smoking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Coronary heart disease; diet; health-related quality of life; lifestyle changes; physical activity; smoking