Predictors of health-related quality of life in korean patients with myocardial infarction: a longitudinal observational study.

BACKGROUND: Experience of myocardial infarction (MI) negatively affects different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine trends in HRQoL of MI patients and to identify demographic, clinical and psychosocial predictors of HRQoL at three months.

METHODS: A total of 150 patients in South Korea were completed the study questionnaires at baseline. After three months from discharge, 136 participants completed follow-up questionnaires, including the Korean version of the MacNew Quality of Life after Myocardial Infarction Questionnaire (MacNew).

RESULTS: HRQoL significantly improved over three months. Younger age, ST-elevation MI, and higher LVEF, lower level of depression, better understanding of the illness and higher perceived social support at baseline were associated with better HRQoL at three months.

CONCLUSION: Providing adequate information about the illness and social support as well as reducing negative psychological experiences in early days after MI may improve HRQoL of MI patients.