| Affiliation: | (1) Department of Nursing, Health and Culture, University of Trollhättan/Uddevalla, Box 1236, Vänersborg, Sweden, SE 462 28;(2) Department for Studies of the Individual and Society, University of Trollhättan/Uddevalla, Sweden;(3) Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg;(4) School of Social and Health Sciences, Halmstad University, Sweden |
| Abstract: | The purpose of the present study was, first, to detect possible changes in health-related quality of life (HRQL) over time and, second, to predict HRQL at 1 year based on measures made 1 week and 5 months after a first-time acute myocardial infarction. There was an improvement in HRQL at 1year, as measured by the questionnaire 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form (SF-36), for both men and women as compared with the assessment 5 months after the acute myocardial infarction. However, the pattern was somewhat different for women and men. Women mainly reported increased scores on scales reflecting better mental health, whereas men, on the whole, demonstrated higher scores in the physical health domain. Depression (HAD) and fatigue were identified as early predictors of lower HRQL at the 1-year follow-up. Our conclusion is that early assessment of fatigue and depression is worthwhile, as they may indicate decreased HRQL in men and women 1year after first-time myocardial infarction. |
