Factors related to the quality of life in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. (29th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sarzynska, K; Polanski, J; Kopec, G; Mroczek, E; Jankowska-Polanska, B
• Is Part Of: European journal of cardiovascular nursing. Volume 20(2021)Supplement 1
• Publication Date: 2021-07-29
• Subjects: Cardiovascular system -- Diseases -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiovascular Diseases -- nursing -- Periodicals; Cardiology -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; Vascular Diseases -- Periodicals; 610.7369105
• DOI: 10.1093/eurjcn/zvab060.106
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1474-5151

Abstract

Abstract: Funding Acknowledgements: Type of funding sources: None. Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease, with an incidence of 15–50 cases per million annually. The disease is associated with further progress and worsening of symptoms despite pharmacotherapy. The severity of PAH symptoms and their effects reduce the patients" quality of life (QoL). Numerous studies show that the quality of life is related to the therapeutic effect of the treatment. Available studies demonstrate that patients QoL deteriorates as the condition progresses. Consequently, the goals of PAH therapy have expanded from increasing survival to improving health-related quality of life. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic factors influencing the quality of life in PAH patients. Methods: The study involved 55 patients with PAH who were examined using the Polish version of the PAH-SYMPACT quality of life questionnaire. The PAH-SYMPACT questionnaire results were correlated with several variables. Results: It was shown that the quality of life correlates significantly (p˂0, 05) with WHO Functional Class, NT-pro BNP (N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide) value, elderly age (the higher the value, the worse the QoL). On the other hand, the lower the 6MWT (6 minuts walk test) result, the worse the QoL. Moreover, the intensity of the accompanying PAH symptoms, such as chest pain, dyspnoea, arrhythmias, fatigue and weakness were associated with a lower quality of life in patients (p < 0, 05). Conclusion: Patients" quality of life correlates with many variables, both clinical and sociodemographic. In addition, there is a correlation between the quality of life of patients with PAH and the severity of several symptoms associated with this condition. Determination of factors affecting the quality of life of patients with PAH enables the selection of a more comprehensive therapy.