Cardiovascular health: the importance of measuring patient-reported health status: a scientific statement from the American Heart Association

Cardiovascular Disease and Patterns of Change in Functional Status Over 15 Years: Findings From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature disability, yet few prospective studies have examined functional status (FS) among persons with CVD. Our aim was to examine patterns of change in FS prior to and after hospitalization for nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, and heart failure among members of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study cohort.

METHODS AND RESULTS

FS was assessed using a modified Rosow-Breslau questionnaire administered during routine annual telephone interviews conducted from 1993 through 2007 among 15 277 ARIC study participants. An FS score was constructed as a summary measure of responses to questions about participants' ability to perform selected tasks of daily living (eg, walking half a mile, climbing stairs). Incidence of CVD was assessed through ARIC surveillance of hospitalized events. Rate of change in FS over time prior to and following a CVD event was examined using generalized estimating equations. A decline in FS was observed on average 2 years prior to a myocardial infarction hospitalization and on average 3 years prior to a stroke or heart failure hospitalization. FS post-myocardial infarction declined relative to pre-event levels but improved to close to pre-myocardial infarction levels within 3 years. Decline in FS following incident heart failure and stroke remained over time. Observed patterns of change in FS did not differ appreciably by race or sex.

CONCLUSIONS

This study documents that a decline in FS precedes incidence of CVD-related hospitalization by at least 2 years, providing a strong argument for routine preventative assessment of FS among older adults.

Health Status Trajectories Among Outpatients With Heart Failure

CONTEXT

Health status (i.e., symptoms, function, and quality of life) is an important palliative care outcome in patients with heart failure; however, patterns of health status over time (i.e., trajectories) are not well described.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to identify health status trajectories in outpatients with heart failure and assess whether depression, symptom burden, or sense of peace predict health status trajectory.

METHODS

This is an observational study utilizing data from the Patient-Centered Disease Management for Heart Failure trial. Participants completed Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaires at baseline, three, six, and 12 months. Latent class growth analysis identified health status trajectories; multinomial logistic regression models identified predictors of trajectory membership.

RESULTS

Patients (n = 384) were primarily men (97%) and older (mean age 67.6 ± 10.1). Three health status trajectories were identified. All three trajectories improved at three months; however, the marked improvement health status trajectory (n = 19) showed progressive improvement over one year, whereas the poor (n = 119) and moderate (n = 246) health status trajectories had little change after three months. In adjusted analyses, worse baseline depression (odds ratio 1.10; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.20), symptom burden (1.45; 1.15-1.83), and sense of peace (0.41; 0.22-0.75) predicted membership in the poor vs. moderate health status trajectory.

CONCLUSION

We identified three one-year health status trajectories in patients with heart failure, with the two most common trajectories characterized by early improvement followed by limited change. Future research should assess these findings in nonveterans and women and explore whether treatment of depression, high symptom burden, and low sense of peace leads to improved long-term heart failure health status trajectory.

The Value of Detecting Asymptomatic Signs of Myocardial Ischemia in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease in Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Electrocardiographic (ECG) monitored outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OP-CR) is routinely performed following a variety of cardiovascular procedures and conditions.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine if diagnostic-quality ECG monitoring in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) during OP-CR is useful in identifying asymptomatic myocardial ischemia, resulting in change(s) in care or medical management.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of ECG monitoring was done on all OP-CR patients diagnosed with CAD (n = 1213) from January 2000 through June 2013.

RESULTS

Nearly a quarter of the patients (24%; n = 288) displayed at least 1 mm of asymptomatic ST-segment depression at 80 milliseconds after the J-point during at least 1 session of OP-CR. Of these patients, 57% had medical management change(s) compared with 24% for those who did not show ECG changes suggesting ischemia (P < .0001). In patients with asymptomatic ischemia having medical management change(s), 84% resulted directly from OP-CR staff detection. Fewer patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass graft surgery demonstrated ECG signs of ischemia, whereas more patients diagnosed with stable angina and percutaneous coronary interventions demonstrated ECG signs of ischemia.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that most patients with CAD showing asymptomatic ECG signs suggesting ischemia undergo medical management change(s) as a result of the finding. Diagnostic-quality ECG monitoring during OP-CR appears warranted in this population.

The prevalence and management of angina among patients with chronic coronary artery disease across US outpatient cardiology practices: insights from the Angina Prevalence and Provider Evaluation of Angina Relief (APPEAR) study

Although eliminating angina is a primary goal in treating patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD), few contemporary data quantify prevalence and severity of angina across US cardiology practices. The authors hypothesized that angina among outpatients with CAD managed by US cardiologists is low and its prevalence varies by site. Among 25 US outpatient cardiology clinics enrolled in the American College of Cardiology Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence (PINNACLE) registry, we prospectively recruited a consecutive sample of patients with chronic CAD over a 1- to 2-week period at each site between April 2013 and July 2015, irrespective of the reason for their appointment. Eligible patients had documented history of CAD (prior acute coronary syndrome, prior coronary revascularization procedure, or diagnosis of stable angina) and ≥1 prior office visit at the practice site. Angina was assessed directly from patients using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire Angina Frequency score. Among 1257 patients from 25 sites, 7.6% (n = 96) reported daily/weekly, 25.1% (n = 315) monthly, and 67.3% (n = 846) no angina. The proportion of patients with daily/weekly angina at each site ranged from 2.0% to 24.0%, but just over half (56.3%) were on ≥2 antianginal medications, with wide variability across sites (0%-100%). One-third of outpatients with chronic CAD managed by cardiologists report having angina in the prior month, and 7.6% have frequent symptoms. Among those with frequent angina, just over half were on ≥2 antianginal medications, with wide variability across sites. These findings suggest an opportunity to improve symptom control.

Selecting symptom instruments for cardiovascular populations

The purpose of this review is to provide a guide for researchers and clinicians in selecting an instrument to measure four commonly occurring symptoms (dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, and fatigue) in cardiac populations (acute coronary syndrome, heart failure, arrhythmia/atrial fibrillation, and angina, or patients undergoing cardiac interventions). An integrative review of the literature was conducted. A total of 102 studies summarizing information on 36 different instruments are reported in this integrative review. The majority of the instruments measured multiple symptoms and were used for one population. A majority of the symptom measures were disease-specific and were multi-dimensional. This review summarizes the psychometrics and defining characteristics of instruments to measure the four commonly occurring symptoms in cardiac populations. Simple, psychometrically strong instruments do exist and should be considered for use; however, there is less evidence of responsiveness to change over time for the majority of instruments.

Incorporating development of a patient-reported outcome instrument in a clinical drug development program: examples from a heart failure program

BACKGROUND

Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures can be used to support label claims if they adhere to US Food & Drug Administration guidance. The process of developing a new PRO measure is expensive and time-consuming. We report the results of qualitative studies to develop new PRO measures for use in clinical trials of omecamtiv mecarbil (a selective, small molecule activator of cardiac myosin) for patients with heart failure (HF), as well as the lessons learned from the development process.

METHODS

Concept elicitation focus groups and individual interviews were conducted with patients with HF to identify concepts for the instrument. Cognitive interviews with HF patients were used to confirm that no essential concepts were missing and to assess patient comprehension of the instrument and items.

RESULTS

During concept elicitation, the most frequently reported HF symptoms were shortness of breath, tiredness, fluid retention, fatigue, dizziness/light-headedness, swelling, weight fluctuation, and trouble sleeping. Two measures were developed based on the concepts: the Heart Failure Symptom Diary (HF-SD) and the Heart Failure Impact Scale (HFIS). Findings from cognitive interviews suggested that the items in the HF-SD and HFIS were relevant and well understood by patients. Multiple iterations of concept elicitation and cognitive interviews were needed based on FDA request for a broader patient population in the qualitative study. Lessons learned from the omecamtiv mecarbil PRO/clinical development program are discussed, including challenges of qualitative studies, patient recruitment, expected and actual timelines, cost, and engagement with various stakeholders.

CONCLUSION

Development of a new PRO measure to support a label claim requires significant investment and early planning, as demonstrated by the omecamtiv mecarbil program.

Interventions that improve health-related quality of life in patients with myocardial infarction

PURPOSE

Patients with myocardial infarction (MI) often report lower health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than those without MI. Interventions can affect HRQoL of these patients. The purpose of this review was to identify effective strategies for improving HRQoL among individuals with MI.

METHODS

Three electronic databases were searched and limited to articles peer-reviewed and published in English between 1995 and 2015. We screened titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles for studies that examined effectiveness of interventions to improve HRQoL in patients with MI.

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were found that examined the effects of behavioural interventions-cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRP), education and counselling programmes, and other psychological and cognitive interventions-to improve HRQoL in patients with MI. The studies included were mainly randomised controlled trials (14 studies) with a wide age range of participants (18-80 years) and a mean age group of 50-70 years. CRPs, including home- and hospital-based CRPs, regular weekly aerobic training programmes, and group counselling mostly resulted in improvement of HRQoL in patients with MI.

CONCLUSION

Most CRPs and other interventions were beneficial to MI patients. Therefore, patients with MI should be encouraged to participate in programmes that can help promote their HRQoL.

Participant-Reported Health Status Predicts Cardiovascular and All-Cause Mortality Independent of Established and Nontraditional Biomarkers: Evidence From a Representative US Sample

Background

Participant‐reported health status is a key indicator of cardiovascular health, but its predictive value relative to traditional and nontraditional risk factors is unknown. We evaluated whether participant‐reported health status, as indexed by self‐rated health, predicted cardiovascular disease, and all‐cause mortality risk excess of 10‐year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores and 5 nontraditional risk biomarkers.

Methods and Results

Analyses used prospective observational data from the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys among those aged 40 to 79 years (N=4677). Vital status was ascertained through 2011, during which there were 850 deaths, 206 from cardiovascular disease (CVD). We regressed CVD and all‐cause mortality on standardized values of self‐rated health in survival models, adjusting for age, sex, education, existing chronic disease, race/ethnicity, ASCVD risk, and standardized biomarkers (fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein [CRP], triglycerides, albumin, and uric acid). In sociodemographically adjusted models, a 1‐SD decrease in self‐rated health was associated with increased risk of CVD mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.51–2.45; P<0.001), and this hazard remained strong after adjusting for ASCVD risk and nontraditional biomarkers (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.42–2.26; P<0.001). Self‐rated health also predicted all‐cause mortality even after adjustment for ASCVD risk and nontraditional biomarkers (HR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.35–1.66; P<0.001).

Conclusions

Self‐rated health provides prognostic information beyond that captured by traditional ASCVD risk assessments and by nontraditional CVD biomarkers. Consideration of self‐rated health in combination with traditional risk factors may facilitate risk assessment and clinical care.

A Comparison of the Quality of Life of Patients With an Entirely Subcutaneous Implantable Defibrillator System Versus a Transvenous System (from the EFFORTLESS S-ICD Quality of Life Substudy)

The first clinical results from the Evaluation of Factors Impacting Clinical Outcome and Cost Effectiveness of the subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (EFFORTLESS S-ICD) Registry on the entirely S-ICD system are promising, but the impact of the S-ICD system on patients' quality of life (QoL) is not known. We evaluated the QoL of patients with an S-ICD against an unrelated cohort with a transvenous (TV)-ICD system during 6 months of follow-up. Consecutively implanted patients with an S-ICD system were matched with patients with a TV-ICD system on a priori selected variables including baseline QoL. QoL was measured with the Short-Form Health Survey at baseline, 3, and 6 months after implant and compared using multivariable modeling with repeated measures. Patients with an S-ICD (n = 167) versus a TV-ICD system (n = 167) did not differ significantly on physical (p = 0.8157) and mental QoL scores (p = 0.9080) across baseline, 3, and 6 months after implantation in adjusted analyses. The evolution in physical (p = 0.0503) and mental scores (p = 0.3772) during follow-up was similar for both cohorts, as indicated by the nonsignificant interaction effect for ICD system by time. Both patients with an S-ICD system and a TV-ICD system experienced significant improvements in physical and mental QoL between time of implant and 3 months (both p's <0.0001) and between time of implant and 6 months (both p's <0.0001) but not between 3 and 6 months (both p's >0.05). In conclusion, these first results show that the QoL of patients with an S-ICD versus TV-ICD system is similar and that patients with either system experience improvements in QoL on the short term.

Patient-Reported Outcomes in Chronic Heart Failure: Applicability for Regulatory Approval

OBJECTIVES

The study sought to review the characteristics of existing patient-reported outcome (PRO) instruments used with chronic heart failure (HF) patients and evaluate their potential to support an approved U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product label claim.

BACKGROUND

PROs, including symptoms and their associated functional limitations, contribute substantially to HF patient morbidity. PRO measurements capture the patient perspective and can be systematically assessed with structured questionnaires, however rigorous recommendations have been set by the FDA regarding the acceptability of PRO measures as a basis for product label claims.

METHODS

Extensive searches of databases and specialty guidelines identified PRO instruments used in patients with chronic HF. Information on critical properties recommended by the FDA guidance were systematically extracted and used to evaluate the selected PRO instruments.

RESULTS

Nineteen PRO instruments used with chronic HF patients were identified. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire were the most extensively evaluated and validated in studies of this population. However, judged by criteria listed in the FDA PRO guidance, no existing PRO measure met all of the criteria to support a product label claim in the United States.

CONCLUSIONS

Currently available chronic HF PRO measures do not fulfill all the recommendations provided in the FDA PRO guidance and therefore may not support an FDA-approved product label claim. Future investigations are merited to develop a PRO measure for use in patients with chronic HF in accordance with the FDA guidance.

Symptom Trajectories After an Emergency Department Visit for Potential Acute Coronary Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Many patients evaluated for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in emergency departments (EDs) continue to experience troubling symptoms after discharge-regardless of their ultimate medical diagnosis. However, comprehensive understanding of common post-ED symptom trajectories is lacking.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to identify common trajectories of symptom severity in the 6 months after an ED visit for potential ACS.

METHODS

This was a secondary analysis of data from a larger observational, prospective study conducted in five U.S. EDs. Patients (N = 1005) who had electrocardiogram and biomarker testing ordered, and were identified by the triage nurse as potentially having ACS, were enrolled. Symptom severity was assessed in the hospital after initial stabilization and by telephone at 30 days and 6 months using the validated 13-item ACS Symptom Checklist. Growth mixture modeling was used for the secondary analysis. The eight most commonly reported symptoms (chest discomfort, chest pain, chest pressure, light-headedness, shortness of breath, shoulder pain, unusual fatigue, and upper back pain) were modeled across the three study time points. Models with increasing numbers of classes were compared, and final model selection was based on a combination of interpretability, theoretical justification, and statistical fit indices.

RESULTS

The sample was 62.6% male with a mean age of 60.2 years (SD = 14.17 years), and 57.1% ruled out for ACS. Between two and four distinct trajectory classes were identified for each symptom. The seven different types of trajectories identified across the eight symptoms were labeled "tapering off," "mild/persistent," "moderate/persistent," "moderate/worsening," "moderate/improving," "late onset, "and "severe/improving." Trajectories differed on age, gender, and diagnosis.

DISCUSSION

Research on the individual nature of symptom trajectories can contribute to patient-centered, rather than disease-centered, care. Further research is needed to verify the existence of multiple symptoms trajectories in diverse populations and to assess the antecedents and consequences of individual symptom trajectories.

International SF-36 reference values in patients with ischemic heart disease

PURPOSE

International reference data for the SF-36 health survey (version 1) are presented based on a sample of 5508 adult patients with ischemic heart disease.

METHODS

Patients with angina, myocardial infarction and ischemic heart failure completed the SF-36. Data were analyzed by diagnosis, gender, age, region and country within region and presented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), minimum, maximum, 25th, 50th and 75th percentile of the physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) measures.

RESULTS

Mean PCS scores were reported as being more than one SD below the normal range (standardized mean of 50 ± 10) by more than half of the patient subgroups (59 %) with all of the mean MCS scores falling within the normal range. Patients with angina and patients with ischemic heart failure reported the poorest mean PCS scores with both diagnoses reporting scores more than one SD below the standardized mean. Females, older patients (especially >70 years) and patients from Eastern Europe reported significantly worse mean PCS scores than male, younger and non-Eastern European patients. The cardiac diagnosis had no effect on the mean MCS scores; however, females, younger patients (especially <51 years) and patients from Eastern Europe reported significantly worse mean MCS scores than male, older and non-Eastern European patients.

CONCLUSIONS

These international reference SF-36 values for patients with IHD are useful for clinicians, researchers and health-policy makers when developing improved health services.

Pain experiences of men and women after cardiac surgery

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the prevalence and severity of pain in men and women during the first year following cardiac surgery and to examine the predictors of persistent postoperative pain 12 months post surgery.

BACKGROUND

Persistent pain has been documented after cardiac surgery, with limited evidence for differences between men and women.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study of patients in a randomised controlled trial (N = 416, 23% women) following cardiac surgery.

METHODS

Secondary data analysis of data collected prior to surgery, across postoperative days 1-4, at two weeks, and at one, three, six and 12 months post surgery. The main outcome was worst pain intensity (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine percent (97/339) of patients reported persistent postoperative pain at rest at 12 months that was worse in intensity and interference for women than for men. For both sexes, a more severe co-morbidity profile, lower education and postoperative pain at rest at one month post surgery were associated with an increased probability for persistent postoperative pain at 12 months. Women with more concerns about communicating pain and a lower intake of analgesics in the hospital had an increased probability of pain at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Sex differences in pain are present up to one year following cardiac surgery. Strategies for sex-targeted pain education and management pre- and post-surgery may lead to better pain outcomes.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

These results suggest that informing patients (particularly women) about the benefits of analgesic use following cardiac surgery may result in less pain over the first year post discharge.

Burdensome Physical and Depressive Symptoms Predict Heart Failure-Specific Health Status Over One Year

CONTEXT

Heart failure (HF)-specific health status (symptom burden, functional status, and health-related quality of life) is an important patient-reported outcome that is associated with palliative care needs, hospitalizations, and death.

OBJECTIVES

To identify potentially modifiable patient-reported factors that predict HF-specific health status over one year.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study using data from the Patient-Centered Disease Management trial. Participants were identified using population-based sampling of all patients with an HF diagnosis at four VA Medical Centers. Patients were enrolled with reduced HF-specific health status (i.e., significant HF symptoms, limited functional status, and poor quality of life, defined by a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire [KCCQ] score <60). Patient-reported factors at baseline were chest pain, other noncardiac pain, dry mouth, numbness/tingling, constipation, nausea, cough, dizziness, depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), and spiritual well-being (validated, single-item measure). Patients reported HF-specific health status (KCCQ) at 3, 6, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Of 384 U.S. veterans, 42% screened positive for depression and 76% described burdensome physical symptoms at baseline. In bivariate analyses, all patient-reported factors were correlated with KCCQ score over one year. Multivariable mixed-effect modeling showed that baseline chest pain, numbness/tingling, depressive symptoms, and higher comorbidity count predicted HF-specific health status over the following year.

CONCLUSION

Burdensome physical and depressive symptoms independently predicted subsequent HF-specific health status in patients with symptomatic HF. Whether addressing these aspects of the patient experience can improve health status and well-being in symptomatic HF should be studied further.

Patient and physician discordance in reporting symptoms of angina among stable coronary artery disease patients: Insights from the Angina Prevalence and Provider Evaluation of Angina Relief (APPEAR) study

BACKGROUND

A principal goal of treating patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is to minimize angina and optimize quality of life. For this, physicians must accurately assess presence and frequency of patients' angina. The accuracy with which cardiologists estimate their patients' angina in contemporary, busy outpatient clinics across the United States (US) is unknown.

METHODS

We enrolled patients with CAD across 25 US cardiology outpatient practices. Patients completed the Seattle Angina Questionnaire before their visit, which assessed their angina and quality of life over the prior 4 weeks. The Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency domain categorized patients' angina as none, daily/weekly, or monthly. After the visit, cardiologists estimated the frequency of their patients' angina using the same categories. Kappa statistic helped to assess agreement between patient-reported and cardiologist-estimated angina.

RESULTS

Among 1,257 outpatients with CAD, 67% reported no angina, 25% reported monthly angina, and 8% reported daily/weekly angina. When patients reported no angina, cardiologists accurately estimated this 93% of the time, but when patients reported monthly or daily/weekly angina symptoms, cardiologists agreed 17% and 69% of the time, respectively. Among patients with daily/weekly angina, 26% were noted as having no angina by their physicians. Agreement between patients' and cardiologists' reports (assessed by the kappa statistic) was 0.48 (95% CI 0.44-0.53), indicating moderate agreement.

CONCLUSIONS

Among outpatients with stable CAD, there is substantial discordance between patient-reported and cardiologist-estimated burden of angina. Inclusion of patient-reported health status measures in routine clinical care may support better recognition of patients' symptoms by physicians.

Quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease after myocardial infarction and with ischemic heart failure

INTRODUCTION

Quality of life measures are useful when interventions or treatments are indicated for several reasons such as improvement of physical functioning, pain relief, to estimate the effectiveness of therapies or to predict mortality. The aim of the current study was to describe quality of life in patients with stable coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and heart failure and to evaluate the relationship between depression and health-related quality of life.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients after STEMI, with stable coronary artery disease, and heart failure (n = 332) completed the MacNew Heart Disease Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

RESULTS

Patients with myocardial infarction had significantly higher scores than patients with stable coronary artery disease or heart failure on the MacNew global scale (p < 0.001) and the physical (p < 0.001), emotional (p < 0.001) and social (p < 0.001) subscales. The anxiety scores were significantly higher in the group of patients with stable coronary artery disease than in patients with myocardial infarction (p < 0.05). The depression scores were significantly higher in patients with heart failure (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with stable CAD, anxiety correlated mainly with symptoms, i.e. angina, than with the history of MI. Patients with symptoms of angina react to the illness with anxiety more than depression, whereas patients with heart failure with dyspnea react to the illness with depressive symptoms more than anxiety. In patients after MI and with stable CAD, cognitive-behavioral techniques could be useful to quickly reduce the level of anxiety, while patients with heart failure require long-term support therapy to reduce the risk of depressive symptoms.

Quantifying clinical change: discrepancies between patients' and providers' perspectives

PURPOSE

Interpreting the clinical significance of changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is critically important. The most commonly used approach is to anchor mean changes on PRO scores against a global assessment of change. Whether the assessor of global change should be patients or their physicians is unknown. We compared patients' and physicians' assessments of change over time to examine which was more aligned with patients' changes in PRO measures.

METHODS

A total of 459 chronic heart failure patients aged >30 years were enrolled from 13 US centers. Data were obtained by medical record abstraction, physical assessments, and patient interviews at a baseline clinic visit and 6 weeks later. Health status was measured with the disease-specific Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), and both patients and physicians completed a validated 15-level global assessment of change, ranging from large deterioration to large improvement.

RESULTS

There was substantial variation between physicians/patients' global assessment of clinical change (weighted kappa = 0.36, 95 % CI 0.28, 0.43). Overall, physician assessments were more strongly correlated with change on the KCCQ summary score than were patients' assessments (physician R = 0.37, patient R = 0.29).

CONCLUSION

There was substantial variation between patients' and physicians' global assessment of 6-week change in heart failure status. Physician assessments of the importance of clinical changes were more strongly associated with changes in all domains of patient-reported health status, as assessed by the KCCQ, and may provide a more consistent method for defining the clinical importance of changes in patients' health status.

Insufficient living: experiences of recovery after infective endocarditis

BACKGROUND

Infective endocarditis (IE) is a traumatic health event, and recovery is often associated with massive physical deconditioning and reduced quality of life. Patients also report reduced cognitive functioning and are at risk of developing anxiety and depression as well as posttraumatic stress disorder. Although studies have found that survivors of IE have impaired physical functioning and mental health, little is known about patient experiences contributing to these findings.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe patient experiences of recovery after IE.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Within a phenomenological-hermeneutical framework, a qualitative interview study was conducted that included 6 men and 5 women (aged 29-86 years). Patients were interviewed 3 to 6 months after discharge. Analysis consisted of 3 levels: naive reading, structured analysis, and critical interpretation and discussion.

FINDINGS

The overall concept that emerged was "Insufficient Living." Patients all experienced a life after illness, which was perceived as insufficient. The overall concept can be interpreted in terms of the following 3 themes. The first was "an altered life," where participants described a phase of adaptation to a new life situation, which some perceived as manageable and temporary, whereas others found extremely distressing and prolonged. "Shocking weakness" was experienced physically, cognitively, and emotionally, and although it subsided quickly for a few, most experienced a persisting weakness and felt frustrated about the prolonged recovery phase. In "the road to recovery," support from relatives and healthcare professionals, as well as one's own actions, was emphasized as important in facilitating recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Recovery after IE is perceived as "Insufficient Living." Patients experience an altered life and shocking weakness, and on the road to recovery, support is needed. Research in follow-up care, supporting patients' ability to cope with potential physical and psycho-emotional consequences of IE, is encouraged as a result of these findings.

Psychometric evaluation of the Sinhalese version of MacNew Heart Disease Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire in patients with stable angina

BACKGROUND

A Sinhalese version of a validated, disease-specific patient-reported heart disease health related quality of life instrument is lacking. The purpose of this study was to validate the interviewer-administered Sinhalese version of the MacNew Heart Disease Health-related Quality of Life Questionnaire (MacNew) in patients with clinically diagnosed stable angina.

METHODS

The Sinhalese translation of the MacNew was carried using standard forward- backward translation technique. In this validation study, the MacNew was administered to 200 patients with stable angina. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Construct validity was explored by exploratory factor analysis using principal component analysis and confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis using the robust maximum likelihood method and known group comparison. The correlation between compatible domain scores of MacNew and the World Health Organization's quality of life -brief questionnaire was used to assess concurrent validity.

RESULTS

The original 3-factor model (Physical, Emotional and Social) of the MacNew with cross-loadings was confirmed: principal component analysis with 53.42 % of the explained variance and confirmatory factor analysis with adequate fit for each of the three model fit criteria considered [root mean square error of approximation = 0.044 (90 % CI = 0.031 to 0.056); comparative fit index = 0.99; χ(2)/df = 1.39]. Internal consistency of the MacNew was acceptable with Cronbach's α of 0.92 on the Global scale and on the domain scales ranging from 0.85-0.91. Test-retest reliability was also found to be satisfactory with intraclass correlation coefficients of >0.9 for total and domain scores. A satisfactory level of concurrent validity was demonstrated with statistically significant correlations between compatible domain scores of MacNew and the World Health Organization's quality of life questionnaire (Pearson correlation ranging from 0.36-0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

The interviewer-administered Sinhalese MacNew is a valid and reliable patient-reported outcome measure to assess disease specific health-related quality of life among Sinhalese patients with stable angina.

Multiple Chronic Conditions in Older Adults with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Older adults presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) often have multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). In addition to traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (ie, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes), common CV comorbidities include heart failure, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, whereas prevalent non-CV comorbidities include chronic kidney disease, anemia, depression, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The presence of MCCs affects the presentation (eg, increased frequency of type 2 myocardial infarctions [MIs]), clinical course, and prognosis of ACS in older adults. In general, higher comorbidity burden increases mortality following MI, reduces utilization of ACS treatments, and increases the importance of developing individualized treatment plans.

Cardiovascular Nursing: From Florence to Melbourne

This paper, based on the 2015 CSANZ Cardiovascular Nursing Lecture, takes its title from the invitation to give this lecture in Melbourne being received when the author was visiting Florence, after whom Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, is named. Her work has indirectly shaped and influenced cardiovascular nursing, which has developed over the past 50 years. Despite its relatively short history, cardiovascular nursing has made a major contribution to improving the cardiovascular health and well-being of patients and families through health promotion, risk reduction and disease prevention. Examples include cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention and chronic heart failure disease management. Challenges, however, remain, including nurses practising to the full extent of their education and training, working as full partners with physicians and other health professionals in redesigning healthcare, ensuring better data collection and being more active in advocacy and policy initiatives. Cardiovascular nursing has a strong record of innovation but should always remember that it is there to serve the public and, bearing in mind the risk of potential harm versus benefit, be mindful of Florence Nightingale's wise counsel, "First, do no harm".

Quality of Life in Treatment-Resistant Hypertension

Treatment-resistant hypertension (TRH) is an increasingly common and clinically challenging hypertension phenotype associated with adverse impact on cardiovascular events and death. Recent evidence, although limited, suggests that TRH may also adversely affect health-related quality of life (HrQoL) and other patient-reported outcomes. However, the precise mechanisms for this link remain unknown. A number of recent studies focusing on both the general hypertensive population and those with TRH suggest that patient awareness of difficult-to-control blood pressure, chronically elevated blood pressure levels, and the use of aggressive medication regimens with attendant cumulative adverse effects may play significant roles. This review summarizes the existing literature on HrQoL in persons with TRH, highlights literature from the general hypertensive population with relevance to TRH, and discusses important remaining questions regarding HrQoL in persons with TRH.

Health-related Quality of Life of Patients With Chronic Systolic Heart Failure in Spain: Results of the VIDA-IC Study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Although heart failure negatively affects the health-related quality of life of Spanish patients there is little information on the clinical factors associated with this issue.

METHODS

Cross-sectional multicenter study of health-related quality of life. A specific questionnaire (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and a generic questionnaire (EuroQoL-5D) were administered to 1037 consecutive outpatients with systolic heart failure.

RESULTS

Most patients with poor quality of life had a worse prognosis and increased severity of heart failure. Mobility was more limited and rates of pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression were higher in the study patients than in the general population and patients with other chronic conditions. The scores on both questionnaires were very highly correlated (Pearson r =0.815; P < .001). Multivariable linear regression showed that being older (standardized β=-0.2; P=.03), female (standardized β=-10.3; P < .001), having worse functional class (standardized β=-20.4; P < .001), a higher Charlson comorbidity index (standardized β=-1.2; P=.005), and recent hospitalization for heart failure (standardized β=6.28; P=.006) were independent predictors of worse health-related quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with heart failure have worse quality of life than the general Spanish population and patients with other chronic diseases. Female sex, being older, comorbidity, advanced symptoms, and recent hospitalization are determinant factors in health-related quality of life in these patients.

Quality of Life With Ivabradine in Patients With Angina Pectoris: The Study Assessing the Morbidity-Mortality Benefits of the If Inhibitor Ivabradine in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Quality of Life Substudy

BACKGROUND

To explore the effect of ivabradine on angina-related quality of life (QoL) in patients participating in the Study Assessing the Morbidity-Mortality Benefits of the If Inhibitor Ivabradine in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease (SIGNIFY) QoL substudy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

QoL was evaluated in a prespecified subgroup of SIGNIFY patients with angina (Canadian Cardiovascular Society class score, ≥ 2 at baseline) using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire and a generic visual analogue scale on health status. Data were available for 4187 patients (2084 ivabradine and 2103 placebo). There were improvements in QoL in both treatment groups. The primary outcome of change in physical limitation score at 12 months was 4.56 points for ivabradine versus 3.40 points for placebo (E, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, -0.14 to 2.05; P=0.085). The ivabradine-placebo difference in physical limitation score was significant at 6 months (P=0.048). At 12 months, the visual analogue scale and the other Seattle Angina Questionnaire dimensions were higher among ivabradine-treated patients, notably angina frequency (P<0.001) and disease perception (P=0.006). Patients with the worst QoL at baseline (ie, those in the lowest tertile of score) had the best improvement in QoL for 12 months, with improvements in physical limitation and a significant reduction in angina frequency (P=0.034). The effect on QoL was maintained over the study duration, and ivabradine patients had better scores on angina frequency at every visit to 36 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with ivabradine did not affect the primary outcome of change in physical limitation score at 12 months. It did produce consistent improvements in other self-reported QoL parameters related to angina pectoris, notably in terms of angina frequency and disease perception.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

URL: http://www.isrctn.com. Unique identifier: ISRCTN61576291.

Field triage to primary percutaneous coronary intervention: Factors influencing health-related quality of life for patients aged ≥70 and <70 years with non-complicated ST-elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE

To examine clinical and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) outcomes and predictors of HRQOL for uncomplicated field triage ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients aged ≥70 years and <70 years after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI).

BACKGROUND

Pre-hospital field triage for PPCI is associated with lower mortality but the impact of age and other factors on HRQOL remains unknown.

METHODS

77 field triage STEMI patients were assessed for HRQOL using the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at 4 weeks and 6 months after PPCI.

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed improvements in SF-12 domains and angina stability for older people. Age predicted lower physical function (p = 0.001) and better SAQ QOL at 6 months (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Age, length of hospitalization, recurrent angina and hypertension were important predictors of HRQOL with PPCI. Assessment of HRQOL combined with increased support for physical and emotional recovery is needed to improve clinical care for field triage PPCI patients.

Patient-reported health status prior to cardiac resynchronisation therapy identifies patients at risk for poor survival and prolonged hospital stays

Background

Patient-reported factors have largely been neglected in search of predictors of response to cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT). The current study aimed to examine the independent value of pre-implantation patient-reported health status in predicting four-year survival and cardiac-related hospitalisation of CRT patients.

Methods

Consecutive patients (N = 139) indicated to receive a first-time CRT-defibrillator at the University Medical Center Utrecht were asked to complete a set of questionnaires prior to implantation. The Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) was used to assess heart failure-specific health status. Data on patients’ demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics at baseline, and on cardiac-related hospitalisations and all-cause deaths during a median follow-up of 3.9 years were obtained from purpose-designed questionnaires and patients’ medical records.

Results

Results of multivariable Cox regression analyses showed that poor patient-reported health status (KCCQ score < 50) prior to implantation was associated with a 2.5-fold increased risk of cardiac hospitalisation or all-cause death, independent of sociodemographic, clinical and psychological risk factors (adjusted hazard ratio 2.46, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.30–4.65). Poor health status was not significantly associated with the absolute number of cardiac-related hospital admissions, but with the total number of days spent in hospital during follow-up (adjusted incidence rate ratio 3.20, 95 % CI 1.88–5.44).

Conclusions

Patient-reported health status assessed prior to CRT identifies patients at risk for poor survival and prolonged hospital stays, independent of traditional risk factors. These results emphasise the importance of incorporating health status measures in cardiovascular research and patient management. Heart failure patients reporting poor health status should be identified and offered appropriate additional treatment programs.

Structured Home-Based Exercise Versus Invasive Treatment: A Mission Impossible? A Pilot Randomized Study in Elderly Patients With Intermittent Claudication

We compared the effects of an original structured home-based exercise program and revascularization in elderly patients with peripheral arterial disease over a 4-month period. Twenty-seven participants (n = 21; age = 68 ± 7 years) with moderate to severe claudication were randomized into (1) a test in-train out group (Ti-To; n = 18) that performed a home-based walking program prescribed and controlled at the hospital or (2) a revascularization group (Rev; n = 9) that underwent an endovascular and/or surgical procedure. The primary end point was quality of life as evaluated by the physical component summary (PCS) score of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures included initial claudication distance (ICD) and absolute claudication distance (ACD), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and pain-free walk distance (PFWD), ankle-brachial index (ABI), and cost per walking meter gained. The PCS score significantly increased for both treatments at follow-up without a significant intergroup difference, as did ICD, ACD, and PFWD. The 6MWD and ABI significantly improved in the Rev group, and the Ti-To group exhibited a markedly lower cost per meter gained. The comparable effects of the 2 treatments need to be confirmed in a larger, randomized controlled trial.

Feasibility of a Tablet Computer System to Collect Patient-reported Symptom Severity in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous coronary intervention is the most commonly performed revascularization modality for chronic stable angina, but does not improve survival or reduce major adverse cardiovascular event. Percutaneous coronary intervention in this population is performed primarily for symptomatic benefit; therefore, symptom reduction is an important marker of quality. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed for chest pain and dyspnea which are valid and responsive to treatment; however, they are not widely used in routine care. We present a model for use of PROMs in routine care.

METHODS

Partners Health System funded a tablet computer software platform to collect PROMs and include them in the medical record. We implemented this platform in the catheterization laboratory at Massachusetts General Hospital, targeting patients presenting for coronary angiography. Patients are assessed using the SAQ-7, the Rose dyspnea scale, the PHQ-2, and the PROMIS-10. We used a phased implementation, with the final program including preprocedure measurement, presentation of data to clinical providers, and follow up using an email platform.

RESULTS

We successfully captured measures from 474 patients, 53.5% of outpatient visits. Key success factors included high-level leadership support and resources, a user-friendly interface for patients and staff, easily interpretable measures, and clinical relevance.

CONCLUSIONS

We have demonstrated that routine capture of patient-reported symptom severity is technically feasible in a real-world care environment. We share our experiences to provide others with a model for similar programs, and to accelerate implementation nationwide by helping others avoid pitfalls. We believe expansion of similar programs nationally may lead to more robust quality infrastructure.

Patient-Reported Health in Young People With Congenital Heart Disease Transitioning to Adulthood

PURPOSE

Because life expectancy of patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) has increased substantially, assessment of patient-reported health is seen as an important component in the follow-up. Therefore, we (1) examined patient-reported health status of young people with CHD from a longitudinal perspective; (2) compared patient-reported health of patients with that of controls from the general population; and (3) investigated longitudinal interrelationships among various domains of patient-reported health.

METHODS

We included 429 patients with CHD (aged 14-18 years) in a longitudinal study with four measurement points. Patient-reported health status was measured using a linear analog scale for self-rated health and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL).

RESULTS

Self-rated health was good, with mean scores that slightly decreased from 81.78 to 78.90 from Time 1 to Time 4. PedsQL scores were also good, with the highest scores obtained for physical functioning. Patients with mild heart defects consistently reported higher scores on self-rated health and PedsQL than the general population. The scores of patients with complex heart defects were generally lower than those of the general population. Cross-lagged path analyses demonstrated that symptoms, cognitive functioning, and communication problems constituted the most consistent predictors of perceived health domains over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient-reported health was considerably good. Domains of patient-reported health that deserve specific attention are symptoms, cognitive functioning, and communication problems. Intervening in these three domains may yield indirect benefits on other health status domains and may improve the overall perceived health status of young people with CHD.

Development and validation of an arrhythmia-specific scale in tachycardia and arrhythmia with focus on health-related quality of life

BACKGROUND

Arrhythmias can cause a profoundly negative impact on a person's daily life, leading to impaired health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Assessment of HRQOL can provide valuable information before, during, and after healthcare interventions for arrhythmias.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to develop and validate a disease-specific scale evaluating HRQOL in patients with different forms of arrhythmia.

METHODS

The Arrhythmia-Specific questionnaire in Tachycardia and Arrhythmia (ASTA HRQOL) was developed from a literature review, patient interviews, and expert panel evaluations. This version was then psychometrically evaluated in patients treated with radiofrequency catheter ablation because of different forms of arrhythmias and patients who sought emergency care because of atrial fibrillation. Construct validity was evaluated with item-total correlations, confirmatory factor analyses, and convergent and discriminant validity. Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α.

RESULTS

All items reached the expected level of item-total correlations of greater than 0.3 for the total scale. The content validity index was sufficient for all items, as was the total scale (0.86-1.0). The 2-factor confirmatory factor analysis model that included the physical and mental factors showed a better fit between model and data than the 1-factor model did (P < .001). Convergent and discriminant validities were evaluated in the correlation analyses between the ASTA HRQOL subscales and SF-36 physical and mental dimensions. A strong correlation was found between the hypothesized physical and mental scales. Internal consistency was satisfactory with a lower bound confidence interval (95%) for Cronbach's α .70 or greater for all the ASTA HRQOL scales.

CONCLUSIONS

The ASTA HRQOL questionnaire can be a valuable contribution to HRQOL assessments in patients with different forms of arrhythmia. Until there is more evidence regarding validity and reliability, using both the total and subscale scores is recommended.

Distinct trajectories of disease-specific health status in heart failure patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy

Purpose

It is well known that a significant proportion of heart failure patients (10–44 %) do not show improvement in symptoms or functioning from cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), yet no study has examined patient-reported health status trajectories after implantation.

Methods

A cohort of 139 patients with a CRT-defibrillator (70 % men; age 65.7 ± 10.1 years) completed the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ) prior to implantation (baseline) and at 2, 6, and 12–14 months post-implantation. Latent class analyses were used to identify trajectories and associates of disease-specific health status over time.

Results

All health status trajectories showed an initial small to large improvement from baseline to 2-month follow-up, whereafter most trajectories displayed a stable pattern between short- and long-term follow-up. Low educational level, NYHA class III/IV, smoking, no use of beta-blockers, use of psychotropic medication, anxiety, depression, and type D personality were found to be associated with poorer health status in unadjusted analyses. Interestingly, subgroups of patients (12–20 %) who experienced poor health status at baseline improved to stable good health status levels after implantation.

Conclusions

Levels of disease-specific health status vary considerably across subgroups of CRT-D patients. Classification into poorer disease-specific health status trajectories was particularly associated with patients’ psychological profile and NYHA classification. The timely identification of CRT-D patients who present with poor disease-specific health status (i.e., KCCQ score < 50) and a distressed psychological profile (i.e., anxiety, depression, and/or type D personality) is paramount, as they may benefit from cardiac rehabilitation in combination with psychological intervention.

Reliability and construct validity of PROMIS® measures for patients with heart failure who undergo heart transplant

PURPOSE

To evaluate the reliability and construct validity of measures from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System(®) (PROMIS(®)) for patients with heart failure before and after heart transplantation.

METHODS

We assessed reliability of the PROMIS short forms using Cronbach's alpha and the average marginal reliability. To assess the construct validity of PROMIS computerized adaptive tests and short-form measures, we calculated Pearson product moment correlations between PROMIS measures of physical function, fatigue, depression, and social function and existing PRO measures of similar domains (i.e., convergent validity) as well as different domains (i.e., discriminate validity) in patients with heart failure awaiting heart transplant. We evaluated the responsiveness of these measures to change after heart transplant using effect sizes.

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were included in the analyses. Across the many domains examined, correlations between conceptually similar domains were larger than correlations between different domains of health, demonstrating construct validity. Health status improved substantially after heart transplant (standardized effect sizes, 0.63-1.24), demonstrating the responsiveness of the PROMIS measures. Scores from the computerized adaptive tests and the short forms were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence for the reliability and construct validity (including responsiveness to change) of four PROMIS domains in patients with heart failure before and after heart transplant. PROMIS measures are a reasonable choice in this context and will facilitate comparisons across studies and health conditions.

Improved Health-Related Quality of Life, and More Days out of Hospital with Supplementation with Selenium and Coenzyme Q10 Combined. Results from a Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

The impact of supplementation with selenium and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on health-care usage and health-related quality of life (Hr-QoL) in community-dwelling elderly people has, to our knowledge, not previously been investigated.

AIM

To investigate the effect of 48 months supplementation with CoQ10 and selenium on community-dwelling elderly as regards: (I) the number of days out of hospital, and (II) the effect on Hr-QoL.

METHODS

A 48-month double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was carried out. A total of 443 participants were given CoQ10 and organic selenium yeast combined, or a placebo. All admissions to the Department of Internal Medicine or Cardiology were evaluated. Hr-QoL were measured with the Short Form-36 (SF-36), the Cardiac Health Profile (CHP) and one item overall-quality of life (overall-QoL).

RESULTS

A total of 206 participants were evaluated after 48 months. No changes were found in the number of days out of hospital or Hr-QoL. A sub-analysis of participants matched for age, gender and baseline cardiac wall tension as measured by NT-proBNP was performed. The mean number of days out of hospital was 1779 for those taking the active substance compared to 1533 for those taking the placebo (p=0.03). Those with active substance declined significantly less in the HR-QoL domains of physical role performance (p=0.001), vitality (p=0.001), physical component score (p=0.001), overall QoL (p=0.001), somatic dimension (p=0.001), conative dimension (p=0.001) and global function (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

In a match-group analysis selenium and CoQ10 increased the number of days out of hospital and slowed the deterioration in Hr-QoL.

Comparing Perspectives of Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians on Heart Failure Management

BACKGROUND

Although substantial effort has been devoted to reducing readmissions among heart failure (HF) patients, little is known about factors identified by patients and caregivers that may contribute to readmissions. The goal of this study was to compare the perspectives of HF patients, their caregivers, and their care team on HF management and hospital admissions. Understanding these perspectives may lead to better strategies for improving care during the post-hospital transition and for reducing preventable readmissions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed freelisting, an anthropologic technique in which participants list items in response to a question, with hospitalized HF patients (n = 58), their caregivers (n = 32), and clinicians (n = 67). We asked about home HF management tasks, difficulties in managing HF, and perceived reasons for hospital admission. Results were analyzed with the use of Anthropac. Salience indices (measures of the most important words for defining the domain of interest) were calculated. Patients and clinicians described similar home HF management tasks, whereas caregivers described tasks related to activities of daily living. Clinicians cited socioeconomic factors as challenges to HF management, whereas patients and caregivers cited limited functional status and daily activities. When asked about reasons for hospitalization, patients and caregivers listed distressing symptoms and illness, whereas clinicians viewed patient behaviors to be primarily responsible for admission.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight that although some similarities exist, there are important differences among patients, caregivers, and clinicians in how they perceive the challenges of HF management and reasons for readmission. Understanding these differences may be critical to developing strategies to reduce readmissions.

Association between the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and aspects of health status: a Danish cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Caring for patients living with atrial fibrillation (AF) is expected to be an increasing challenge for the healthcare sector in the future. Inconclusive results on self-reported health-related quality of life and health status in patients living with AF have previously been reported, ranging from being similar to those observed in patients who have sustained and survived a myocardial infarction to not being different from those of healthy subjects. In these studies, gender differences were not taken into account.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association between the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and self-reported health status.

DESIGN

An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health cohort. Information on health status was obtained using the Danish version of the Short Form 36 version 2 questionnaire. The analyses were stratified on gender. In adjusted analysis, we considered potential confounding from comorbidity expressed by the Charlson Comorbidity Index and effect modification by age.

ETHICAL APPROVAL

The local ethical committees of Copenhagen and Frederiksberg municipalities (Approval no.: (KF) 01-345/93) approved the study.

RESULTS

We included 42 598 participants of whom 873 had a diagnosis of AF and/or atrial flutter. We found a lower adjusted physical component score among AF patients. No systematic differences in the mental component score (MCS) were observed.

CONCLUSION

Participants diagnosed with AF report a clinically and statistically significantly lower physical health component score. No systematic differences in the MCS were found when comparing with the remaining participants in the cohort. As healthcare professionals caring for patients living with AF are not always expecting patients living with AF to experience a burden from their disease, the individual patients' experience of their situation, feelings, preferences, symptoms and needs leading to physical limitations should always be articulated.

Medical factors that predict quality of life for young adults with congenital heart disease: What matters most?

BACKGROUND

Identify demographic and medical status indicators that account for variability in physical and emotional health-related quality of life (QoL) among young adults with congenital heart disease (CHD) as compared to traditional lesion severity categories.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study of 218 young adult survivors of CHD (mean=25.7, SD=7.1 years). Participants were recruited from pediatric and adult CHD clinics at a pediatric and an adult hospital. Stepwise linear regression examined the unique contribution of demographic (age; sex; estimated income) and medical status indicators (comorbid conditions; treatment modality; ventricular function/functional capacity) on QoL compared to traditional lesion severity categories (simple; moderate; complex).

RESULTS

Lesion severity category accounted for a small portion of the variance in physical QoL (3%), but was not associated with emotional QoL. Lesion severity did not significantly contribute to the variability in physical QoL once other variables were entered. Having an estimated income of ≤$30,000, taking more than one cardiac-related medication, and having a New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class designation>I was associated with poorer physical QoL and explained 23% of the variability. NYHA class was the only variable that explained a unique proportion of variance (7%) in emotional QoL, and having a NYHA class designation>I was associated with greater risk for poorer emotional functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggested that several indicators readily available to treatment teams may provide important information about the risk for poor patient-reported outcomes of physical and emotional QoL among CHD survivors.