Improved health-related quality of life 12 months after bypass or angioplasty for peripheral arterial disease

Revascularization procedures are known to have a favorable influence on multiple outcomes for patients with peripheral arterial disease. Their affect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is less certain. This study was conducted to document changes in HRQOL associated with revascularization procedures and to identify variables associated with HRQOL and changes in HRQOL 12 months after revascularization. Forty-four patients undergoing arterial bypass or angioplasty improved significantly in their HRQOL as measured by the physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS)scales of the SF-12. These measurements of HRQOL at 12 months were most highly correlated with the same measures at baseline. For the 12-month PCS, regression analysis showed that a higher baseline PCS, a greater improvement in vascular status, and a higher baseline MCS were predictive of higher scores. For the change in PCS, regression analysis revealed that men with lower baseline PCS scores showed the greatest improvements. Higher 12-month MCS but lesser changes in MCS were shown by regression analysis to be predicted by a higher baseline MCS. Obesity contributed positively to 12-month MCS but negatively to MCS change. In conclusion, the results of this study verify that HRQOL can be improved by revascularization procedures, but that HRQOL at 12 months and improvement in HRQOL are determined by baseline measures. (J Vasc Nurs 2000;18:75-82)