Functional status and life satisfaction of patients with stable angina pectoris in Austria

OBJECTIVES: Although substantial progress in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (sAP) has been made, little is known about the functional status and quality of life (QoL) of patients in different healthcare systems. DESIGN AND METHODS: We undertook a survey using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) (five domains scored form 0-worst assessment to 100-best assessment) to assess symptoms, QoL (including limitation of activities), demographics, geographic distribution and individual disease data in patients with stable coronary artery disease in Austrian cardiology practices. RESULTS: A total of 660 patients with sAP with a mean age of 69.2 years were included. SAQ scores were 67.5±24.4 for physical limitation, 65.5±26.6 for angina stability, 79.3±23.2 for angina frequency, 86.3±16.2 for treatment satisfaction and 63.7±24.2 for overall QoL. Multiple regression identified male gender, but also female gender, Eastern Austrian residence and high body mass index as predictive factors for SAQ scoring. A total of 35.6% of the patients reported at least one desirable activity that was limited through AP symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Activity and QoL assessments are in accordance with published literature: The number and the diversity of desired activities indicate the need to focus on patient's individual activity level to improve symptom management.