Correlation between perceived quality of life among patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, the 6-minute walking test and the risk stratification

Abstract

Introduction: Risk stratification of PAH patients is required in clinical practice using multiple parameters, both at diagnosis and during follow-up. Methods: An observational multicentre national study about the quality of life of Spanish patients diagnosed with PAH. The study was carried out using different questionnaires: CAMPHOR and EQ-5D-5L, and its correlation with 6MWT and the risk stratification. Results: A total of 185 patients with PAH were included in the study, 43.78% of the patients were at low risk, 47.03% at intermediate risk, and 9.19% at high risk. According to the CAMPHOR results and the distance walked in the 6MWT, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed. There is a significant correlation between global score and all the dimensions of the CAMPHOR questionnaire, as well with the EQ-5D, with the distance walked in the 6MWT (all p Conclusion: The 6MWT is a good tool for assessing dyspnea in patients with PAH, since it is significantly correlated to patient perception of breathlessness, and reflects the QoL reported by PAH patients