The effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty on quality of life.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) on quality of life. Secondary purposes are to determine if there is an improvement in state anxiety and physical functioning after PTCA. Data on quality of life in these patients will provide physicians, nurses and other health professionals with a basis to help the angioplasty patient adjust after the procedure. This information will add to the present body of knowledge, serve as a basis for patient education and guide further research. In addition, data on the subjective perception of quality of life may provide an additional index of success or failure of therapy. Subjects scheduled for elective PTCA were mailed a study packet containing three questionnaires. Prior to their admission to the hospital for a scheduled PTCA, subjects completed the Quality of Life Index (QLI), Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the Physical Functioning Questionnaire. Demographic data were collected from subjects' medical records. Six weeks after a successful PTCA, a second study packet was mailed to subjects. Twenty subjects participated in the study. The majority were employed, Caucasian males with multivessel coronary artery disease and had complained of symptoms less than three months. Paired t-tests demonstrated improvement in the (1) health and functioning subscale (p = less than 0.034), (2) decrease in state anxiety (p = less than 0.030), and (3) increase (p = less than 0.000) in perceived physical functioning. In addition, an inverse relationship was demonstrated between state anxiety and quality of life (r = -0.70, p = 0.000).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)