Hassles and Quality of Life in Myocardial Infarct Patients
488-493
Correspondence
Dr Adarsh Kohli.Tel.: 2756805, 2747585; e-mail: doc_adarsh@hotmail.com
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI or MI), commonly known as a heart attack, is a serious, sudden heart condition, usually characterised by varying degrees of chest pain or discomfort, weakness, sweating, nausea, vomiting, and arrhythmias, sometimes causing loss of consciousness. Psychological factors preceding and consequent to MI need attention.
Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the quality of life (QOL) and daily hassles in myocardial infarct patients.
Method: Thirty consecutive outpatients with diagnosis of myocardial infarction, both males and females, in the age range of 28–70 years, belonging to all educational groups, were recruited from the In-patient Department of Cardiology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh. Thirty normal controls were recruited for comparative purposes. Both the groups were administered Daily Hassles Scale and WHOQOL Bref version.
Results: Analysis of Hassles Scale and WHOQOL Scale assessing various areas (general, physical, psychological, environmental, and social) was done to find out the impact of daily hassles on the QOL of cardiac patients. Results show that QOL is affected after MI, compromising in the areas of general well-being, physical health, psychological functioning, and environmental dimensions. No significant differences were found on hassles experienced by MI patients as compared to the normal controls.