The impact of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty on quality of life

Objective: We explored the impact of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty （PTCA） on quality of life （QOL） to verify this therapy could improve both physiological index and quality of life of the patients This was an ideal method for the treatment of coronary artery diseases from both medicine and sociology aspects. Methods: There were 62 patients who had undergone successful PTCA from April to November 1998 The world popular Short Form 36 （SF 36） was used to evaluate the QOL of these patients We also designed a special form to follow up angina symptoms, employment status and physical strength after PTCA The forms were filled the evening before, three months and six months after PTCA The data for the forms were collected from structured interview and mailed questionnaire LVEF before and after PTCA evaluated by echocardiography were compared. Results: The number of patients who had angina decreased significantly （P＜0. 001） and the LVEF improved （P＜0. 01） after PTCA There were significant improvements in the following SF 36 measures （P＜0. 0001, vitality P＜0. 005）: physical component score, mental component score, physical functioning, role limitations due to physical health problems, bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, role limitations due to emotional health problems and mental health General health perceptions did not change significantly The main reason for the improvement of quality of life is the rapid alleviation of angina pectoris Most of the patients felt that regaining of physical strength was slow After PTCA most patients resumed their work. Conclusion: Successful percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty could significantly improve both objective cardiac function index and quality of life It was an ideal method for the treatment of coronary artery diseases according to the standards of social psychological biomedicine.