Abstract
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) in a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. PTCA, has become the most frequently used treatment for CAD. Measuring and understanding the current status of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of patients before and after PTCA is essential in order to manage the disease more effectively.The objective of the study was to evaluate the changes in HRQoL before and after PTCA. A Prospective, Observational study was conducted for a period of six months in all patients admitted for non-emergency PTCA at the study site and who met inclusion criteria. 80 patients agreed to participate and the informed consent was obtained from the patients. However, 14 patients dropped out during the follow-up period. So the study comprised of 66 patients. The demographics of patients, including clinical parameters such as medical history, diagnosis of CAD and disease severity was collected. Patients were interviewed using SF-36 questionnaire. The HRQoL of patients was measured before(baseline), 1-month and 3-months after PTCA. All the 8 domains of SF-36 (Physical Functioning, Role Physical, Bodily Pain, General Health, Vitality, Social Functioning, Role Emotional, Mental Health) improved slightly from before(baseline) to 1-month after PTCA and improved significantly (P<0.05)from 1-month to 3-months after PTCA. The results of the study quantify the benefits of PTCA on HRQoL of patients. This study also revealed the desired prognosis of our patients. Nursing interventions are needed to maintain and further enhance the HRQoL of the patients and the interventions should come into play immediately after PTCA.
