Impact of Cardiovascular Risk Counseling on Quality of Life in Chest Pain Clinic
Author Information
Author(s): Black J Andrew, Sharman James E., Chen Gang, Palmer Andrew J., de Graaff Barbara, Nelson Mark, Chapman Niamh, Campbell Julie A.
Primary Institution: Royal Hobart Hospital
Hypothesis
Does absolute cardiovascular risk counseling improve health-related quality of life in patients attending a chest pain clinic?
Conclusion
Counseling on absolute cardiovascular risk in a chest pain clinic leads to meaningful improvements in health-related quality of life.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients receiving counseling showed a greater increase in health state utility scores compared to those receiving usual care.
- The median difference in health state utility scores exceeded the minimal important difference threshold.
- Improvements were noted in mental health and social role dimensions for the intervention group.
Takeaway
When doctors help patients understand their heart health risks, patients feel better overall.
Methodology
Patients were randomized into two groups: one received absolute cardiovascular risk counseling while the other received usual care, with health-related quality of life measured using the SF-36 questionnaire.
Potential Biases
Potential optimistic bias in patients' perception of their cardiovascular risk.
Limitations
Incomplete data for almost one-third of the cohort at follow-up.
Participant Demographics
Mean age of participants was 60 years, with over two-thirds being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=0.12
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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