Health experiences of first-time myocardial infarction: Factors influencing women's and men's health-related quality of life after five months

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Abstract
Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is a measure intended to mirror health experiences. The object of this study was to explore health-related quality of life in first-time myocardial infarction patients, five months after the heart attack. The sample consisted of 114 consecutive patients (37 women and 77 men) admitted to the coronary care unit of a rural hospital. Quality of life was measured using the SF-36 questionnaire, which yields eight multi-item scales and two summary measures of physical and mental health. The physical and mental component scores were negatively affected in both women and men. Women differed from men and reported significantly poorer physical health. Multiple regression analyses revealed that the coping strategies minimization (positively) and fatalism (negatively) were associated with HRQL. Depression and health complaints also impacted quality of life. The conclusion is that assessment of health-related quality of life could be a complement to other outcome measurements when evaluating the life consequences of a first-time myocardial infarction. In the early stage of the recovery process, the health complaints assessment is an important indicator of decreased quality of life.