Health-related quality of life among patients with arterial hypertension

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with high blood pressure is reduced when compared to the general population. The evaluation of factors that influence HRQoL may be useful to elaborate a more efficient treatment planning for this population. AIMS: This study aims to identify the main variables that reduce HRQoL in patients with high blood pressure by using a generic tool for evaluation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study with 131 individuals over 18 years of age who suffered from high blood pressure. All patients lived in the city of Sacramento - MG and had been attending a support group for at least one year before the interview. Data were collected using the Medical Outcomes Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). RESULTS: Out of 131 patients, 98 were female and 33 were male. Most patients were elderly (67.2%) and the most frequent age range was 60 to 69 years old (32.8%). The SF-36 dimensions with the lowest scores were: vitality (64.4) and pain (70.3), whereas the dimensions with the highest scores were: social functioning (86.7) and functional status (79.4). The factors which most influenced the HRQoL were similar to other studies. CONCLUSION: These results may help health care providers to plan, perform and evaluate effective ways to improve quality of life in this population.