The Effect of Intensive Coronary Risk Reduction on Psychosocial and Health-Related Quality of Life Responses

Abstract

Popular sentiment suggests that patients undertaking risk factor and lifestyle behavior changes may experience negative mood states and quality of life decrements. Women, and men (n = 41 and 259) with known coronary artery disease (CAD) were randomly assigned to an intensive risk reduction group (RR) or the usual care of their physician (UC). Risk factor and psychosocial profiles were measured at baseline and annually. HQOL profiles were measured at one year in a subset of UC and RR patients (n = 67 and 63). Comparisons of psychosocial profiles did not differ for the UC and RR groups at baseline or afier one year, although the RR group achieved significant reductions in risk factors. Baseline mood states did not differ for women and men, however women had lower Type A behavior scores. After one year, HQOL gender comparisons revealed significantly lower scores for women in the physical hnctioning domain. Multivariate analysis found that the presence of angina was negatively related to physical functioning, while exercise participation was positively associated. Being married was related,to the social functioning domain. No risk factor change score was s~gnificantly related to any HQOL domain including emotional health. This study suggests that risk reduction does not produce a negative effect on HQOL.