Relationship between provider-based measures of physical function and self-reported health-related quality of life in patients admitted for elective coronary angiography.

BACKGROUND: Improving health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is important for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, few clinicians measure HRQOL in clinical practice. More commonly used are two provider-based measures of CAD, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) and the New York Heart Association (NYHA). We explored the relationship of these two provider-based measures with two self-reported HRQOL questionnaires, the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). METHODS: Included were 753 outpatients (74% were men) admitted for elective cardiac catheterization. HRQOL, CCS class, and NYHA status were measured. RESULTS: We found significant associations of CCS and NYHA with HRQOL concerning physical dimensions, but weaker associations for other important dimensions. We also observed weaker associations in women than men, not being previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: HRQOL instruments add broader information in patients with CAD and should supplement provider-based measures. Further research is needed on possible implications of the observed sex differences.