European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: It is estimated that 17.7 million people died from CVDs in 2015, representing 31% of all deaths taking place worldwide; more people die every year from CVDs than from any other cause. Cardiovascular diseases are showing an increase among the Indian population. There has been a rapid and significant growth in the measurement of quality of life as an indicator of health outcomes in patients with CVD. In the clinical course of cardiovascular diseases, the interaction between stress and its impact on quality of life will alter and aggravate theclinical condition. Thus, an improvement in health-related quality of life is considered to be important as a primary outcome and overall therapeutic benefit. Most of the patients cannot cope with the stress due to the burden of cardiovascular disorder and require psychiatric intervention. This study will be focusing on the psychological problems faced by these patients and suggest a plan for improving their quality of life. Aims: To assess the quality of life in patients with known cardiovascular disorders i.e. hypertension, congestive cardiac failure and coronary artery disease. Methods: Patients attending Medicine OPD/IPD with a diagnosis of Hypertension, Congestive Cardiac Failure or coronary artery disease who satisfy the inclusion criteria will be selected. Socio-demographic data will be recorded via semi-structured proforma and the WHO Quality of Life Scale (WHOQOLBREF) will be applied. The data will then be evaluated and computed for statistical analysis of various interactions and correlations. Results: Out of 120 patients, 40 patients were selected in each diagnosis of hypertension (HTN), coronary artery disease (CAD), and congestive heart failure (CHF). The overall mean (SD) HRQOL was observed as 54.65 ± 14.23 with a range between 18.75-81.5. Among them, domain 4 has been observed with the highest score of 14.62 ± 2.3 and 66.54 ± 14.31 with 4-20 TS and 0-100 TS. However, the HRQOL distribution was varied as per different cardiovascular disorders, like highest mean ± SD score was observed with CHD (57.43 ± 13.33), followed by HTN (56.1 ± 14.66) and CAD (50.42 ± 14.04). Conclusion: Cardiovascular disorders are an important public health problem with a significant psychological impact and impact on the QoL of patients. There is a slight male preponderance observed in patients with cardiovascular disorders. QoL was affected in patients with cardiovascular disorders with psychological and physical health domains being primarily affected.