K Dracup

Rapid assessment of quality of life in patients with advanced heart failure

prior to HT tended to be more hostile ( -.243, p .07). Number of rejections contributed to anxiety ( .389, p .02) and depression ( .292, p .03). Those receiving cyclosporine had more anxiety ( -.301, p .02), depression ( -.338, p .01), and hostility ( -.392, p .004) than those receiving tacrolimus. Conclusion: Many women are likely to experience emotional distress at levels above normative values after HT. Cyclosporine’s cosmetic side effects (hirsutism and gingival hyperplasia) may contribute to higher levels of emotional distress. Annual psychological assessment should be part of post transplant evaluation.

Health related quality of life of elderly patients with end-stage heart failure

(77% vs. 65%, p .001) and exercise (67% vs. 55%, p .021) than younger patients. There was no difference in other compliance behaviors (keeping appointments, medication, smoking/alcohol use). Of the 70 elderly patients, 51% reported difficulty complying with exercise while 37%, 24%, and 23% had difficulty with diet, keeping appointments, and medication use, respectively. Nine percent and 18% continued to smoke and drink. Common barriers that led to noncompliance with keeping appointments and taking medications were lack of transportation, time and money. Lack of motivation, self-control, and support led to poor compliance with diet and smoking/alcohol use, while physical symptoms and lack of energy accounted for poor exercise compliance. We found a strong association (p .01) between degree of difficulty and actual compliance with each of the medical regimens in elderly HF patients. Conclusion: Elderly HF patients report low compliance behaviors that are associated with degree of difficulty following prescribed regimens. Interventions that target the common barriers cited by elderly patients may be key to improved compliance behaviors in this vulnerable population.