Assessing Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Pulmonary Embolism with the Heart QoL Questionnaire

Background and Objectives: While the acute phase of pulmonary embolism (PE) is well studied, its long-term physical and mental consequences have received less attention. Here, we aim to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the follow-up of PE with the Heart QoL questionnaire and to assess its reliability and validity as a standardized tool. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at the PE Outpatient Clinic of the University Hospital of Larissa, enrolling 100 PE patients (63% male, mean age 56.97 ± 16.09 years). The internal consistency of the Heart QoL questionnaire was measured using Cronbach’s alpha. Correlations between Heart QoL and SF-36 subscales were examined. Results: We included 100 patients with PE (63% males, 56.97 ± 16.09 years). A total of 59% of the patients reported reduced functional capacity post-PE. Heart QoL demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.947), with strong inter-item correlations (range: 0.337–0.949). Internal consistency coefficients for Heart QoL subscales were 0.558 (global), 0.606 (physical), and 0.871 (emotional). The inter-item correlation range from 0.337 to 0.949. Mean Heart QoL scores were significantly lower than the Greek norms (global: 2.15 ± 0.829, physical: 2.17 ± 0.86, emotional: 2.09 ± 1.03). Heart QoL subscales exhibit significant correlations, with most SF-36 subscales indicating strong convergent validity. In the multiple linear regression analysis, MRC, dyspnea, reduced functionality, and the presence of symptoms were independent predictors of Heart QoL global and physical score. The presence of bleeding complications and reduced functionality were independent predictors of Heart QoL emotional score. Conclusions: Heart QoL is a reliable and valid tool for assessing HRQoL in PE patients, offering an alternative to more time-consuming tools. Dyspnea, reduced functionality, and bleeding complications significantly impact long-term HRQoL, underscoring the need for structured, multidisciplinary follow-up care that integrates both physical and mental health support in order to optimize patient long-term outcomes, especially in those at risk for chronic thromboembolic consequences.