Frailty and quality of life in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome

Abstract

Background

Frail elderly people are at risk of developing adverse health outcomes such as disability, hospitalization, and mortality. In recent years, the literature has drawn attention to the role of frailty syndrome (FS) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). There are few studies regarding the relationship between two multidimensional variables such as FS and quality of life (QoL).

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between FS and early QoL of elderly patients with ACS (≥65 years old).

Methods

The study was conducted among 91 patients aged 65 years and over with ACS. The MacNew questionnaire was used to evaluate QoL and the Tilburg frailty indicator to evaluate frailty.

Results

FS was present in 82.4% of patients. The average Tilburg frailty indicator score was 7.43±2.57. A negative correlation between the global values of FS and QoL was shown (r=−0.549, P<0.05). The vulnerability factors that negatively affected early QoL were: FS, marital status, conservative therapy, and hypertension. In multivariate analysis, FS was found to be the independent predictor of worse QoL (β ± standard error −0.277±0.122, P=0.026).

Conclusion

The presence of FS has a negative impact on early QoL in patients with ACS. The study suggests that in elderly patients with ACS, there is a need to identify frailty in order to implement additional therapeutic and nursing strategies in ACS.

Keywords:

• frailty syndrome
• aging
• frail elderly
• assessment
• quality of life
• acute coronary syndrome

Introduction

Recently, the interest in geriatric condition evaluation has been increasing, especially with regard to frailty syndrome (FS) and its clinical significance in elderly cardiovascular patients. The increasing number of elderly patients necessitates more intensive diagnostic and therapeutic efforts and an enhancement of the patients’ general quality of life (QoL).¹ Cardiovascular conditions, including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), play a key role in determining QoL² in terms of physical, emotional, and social functioning. Patients with a history of ACS constitute a diverse group, with various ACS types and various therapeutic strategies used. Medical evaluation does not incorporate the patients’ subjective assessment of their condition or their QoL. Nowadays, the goal of treatment and of clinical studies on the consequences of cardiovascular conditions is not only reducing mortality, improving symptoms, and functional status but also increasing the patients’ QoL.³ QoL studies allow a unique evaluation, taking into account each patient’s individual needs and declared expectations, which can change during treatment due to “response shift”.⁴ As regard to the FS, it has become a major concept in gerontology. It is considered an important clinical and social issue.⁵ Frailty has been associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD).⁶ Patients with FS are at a significantly higher risk of adverse outcomes such as disability, falls, hospitalization, institutionalization, and mortality.^7–10 The pathomechanism of FS is a result of aging, and of various related physiological changes that may contribute to pathological processes, and consequently, to adverse outcomes.¹¹ Nonetheless, there is no single scale or set of criteria for FS diagnosis.^12–14 There are different diagnostic criteria and scales for frailty, with no consensus in literature as to the most appropriate factors for its identification.¹² It is assumed that early diagnosis of the syndrome and a swift therapeutic intervention enhance QoL and decrease health care costs.⁹ Furthermore, frailty has significant implications for patients’ independence and entails an increased risk of hospitalization, disability, institutionalization, and death.¹⁵

Literature includes papers describing the adverse influence of FS on QoL in community-housed elderly patients, depending on their health.^16–30 However, the authors are not aware of any published analysis of the adverse influence of frailty on QoL in patients with ACS.

Methods

Aim

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between FS and QoL during hospitalization in elderly patients with ACS.

Participants

The study was conducted between June 2013 and April 2014 in elderly patients hospitalized for ACS. Inclusion criteria were: signing an informed consent form, age ≥65 years, and ACS diagnosed according to the European Society of Cardiology guidelines.^31,32 Exclusion criteria were: in-hospital complications (cardiogenic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, pulmonary edema), and cognitive deficiencies and/or barriers to communication preventing patient history taking and questionnaire completion. In order to evaluate any cognitive deficiencies, we used the Mini-Mental State Examination for assessing cognitive function. The patients were divided into three age groups (A, 65–75 years; B, 76–85 years; and C, 86–92 years). In the study, QoL evaluation was performed during hospitalization, prior to discharge. The study was based on the analysis of patients’ questionnaires and data from records maintained by a cardiac nurse. QoL parameters were studied using the Polish version of the MacNew Heart Disease Health-related Quality of Life (MacNew) questionnaire.³³ FS was evaluated using the Polish version of the Tilburg frailty indicator (TFI).³⁴

Ethical considerations

The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of Wroclaw Medical University. The investigation conforms with the principles outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki (64th WMA General Assembly, Fortaleza, Brazil, October 2013).³⁵

Instruments

The study used the Polish version of the MacNew questionnaire, which is a specific tool for health-related QoL evaluation in patients with cardiovascular conditions, including myocardial infarction.³⁶ The scale comprises 27 questions pertaining to three domains of QoL: physical, psychological, and social, as well as to global QoL. Patients respond using a seven-point Likert scale. Higher scores indicate a higher QoL. The score is an arithmetic mean for each domain (for the number of questions answered in a given interview). A global QoL score can also be calculated. The MacNew questionnaire has been tested for reliability and validity in several European states, including Poland, since 2003.³⁷ Höfer et al³⁶ demonstrated the reliability and validity in the Dutch, English, Farsi, German, and Spanish versions of the MacNew. The internal consistency ranged from 0.75 to 0.97, intraclass correlation coefficients were ≥0.73, and reliability was high. The MacNew is responsive and sensitive to changes in health-related QoL following various interventions for patients with heart disease with eleven out of 13 effect size statistics >0.80. The MacNew is reliable and meets the reproducibility standard of 0.70 for group comparison, which usually is the goal in clinical trials.³⁶

Although initially FS was mainly a medical concept, it is now regarded as a multidimensional issue affecting the patients’ biopsychosocial nature, similarly to QoL. FS is described as a dynamic state comprising physical, psychological, and social determinants that may deteriorate over time, or improve – following proper diagnosis and treatment.¹³ Frailty was assessed using the Polish version of the TFI.³⁴ TFI is a tool used for FS assessment, developed by Gobbens et al.³⁸ The tool comprises of two parts: A (sociodemographic factors) and B (frailty components, 15 questions). Part B is divided into three domains: physical (eight questions), psychological (four questions), and social (three questions). Eleven questions in part B allow two answer options (“yes” and “no”), the remaining ones allow three (“yes,” “no”, and “sometimes”). The total TFI score is between 0 and 15 points. FS is diagnosed at TFI scores ≥5 points. Uchmanowicz et al³⁴ demonstrated that TFI was characterized by good construct validity, reliability, and acceptable internal consistency for Polish populations, with a mean total TFI score of 6.7±3.1. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients of TFI ranged from 0.68 to 0.72. This survey showed results similar to the original study performed by Gobbens et al³⁹ (Dutch version of the TFI [0.79]) and to the Brazilian adaptation (0.78).⁴⁰

Statistical analysis

Statistical analysis of questionnaire data was performed using the STATISTICA 10 software (StatSoft Inc., Tulsa, OK, United States, 2011).⁴¹ The analysis investigated the influence of FS, as well as of selected sociodemographic and clinical factors, on early QoL measured using the MacNew questionnaire. Nominal data correlations were verified using Pearson’s chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test. Correlations and differences at P<0.05 were considered statistically significant. Quantitative (measurable) data were presented as mean (M) with standard deviation (SD), as well as median (Me) and extreme (Min and Max) values. Empirical distribution normality was verified using the Shapiro–Wilk test. The significance of quantitative parameter differences between two groups of patients (male and female) was evaluated using Student’s t-test (for variable distributions close to normal) or the Mann–Whitney U-test (for variables with distributions significantly different from normal). For comparisons concerning more than two groups (age, ACS type, treatment, etc), the Kruskal–Wallis test was used. To evaluate measurable data correlation strengths, Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients were calculated (r_S). In the statistical analysis, we used the receiver operating characteristic plot, which provides a visual representation of the accuracy of a detection test, incorporating not only the intrinsic features of the test, but also variability of the reader. It allowed us to determine the optimal cutoff point. In addition, a multivariate analysis was performed, which included the variables that negatively affected QoL in the single-factor analysis.

Results

Patient characteristics

The study included 91 patients, 44 (48.4%) female and 47 (51.6%) male. The mean patient age was 76.7±7.8 years. The largest age group was group B: 76–85 years (n=40, 44.0%). Significantly, more men than women were married (72.3% vs 27.3%, P<0.001), likely due to the fact that women were older than men, and that, on average, women have longer life spans. The numbers of married and single patients were comparable (50.6% vs 49.4%, respectively), but it was noted that elderly patients were more likely to be single. This relationship was noticed among three groups of patients (35.1% vs 50.0% vs 85.7%, respectively). Most patients reported high school education (39.5%), whereas the lowest percentage of patients (8.8%) graduated from university. The vast majority lived in an urban environment (83.5%) with their families (71.4%). The most frequent comorbidity was arterial hypertension (n=74, 81.3%). Among the patients studied, 45% had ST elevation myocardial infarction, 45% had no ST elevation myocardial infarction, and 10% had unstable angina. The most common treatment was percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, 72.5%), next conservative therapy (CT, 17.6%), and coronary artery bypass graft (9.9%). A total of 82.4% of the elderly patients with ACS were diagnosed with FS. The sociodemographic and clinical data of the 91 patients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Patients’ sociodemographic and clinical characteristics

Variable n (%)	All participants n=91	Age (years)			Test result
		65–75 n=37	76–85 n=40	86–92 n=14
Sociodemographic
Age, M ± SD	76.7±7.8	68.9±3.9	79.9±3.6	87.9±2.1	P<0.001a
Sex
Female	44 (48.4%)	10 (27.0%)	25 (62.5%)	9 (64.3%)
Male	47 (51.6%)	27 (73.0%)	15 (37.5%)	5 (35.7%)	P=0.003b
Marital status
Married	46 (50.6%)	24 (64.9%)	20 (50.0%)	2 (14.3%)
Single	45 (49.4%)	13 (35.1%)	20 (50.0%)	12 (85.7%)	P=0.006b
Education
Primary	21 (23.1%)	5 (13.5%)	10 (25.0%)	6 (42.9%)
Vocational	26 (28.6%)	13 (35.1%)	11 (27.5%)	2 (14.3%)
High school	36 (39.5%)	15 (40.5%)	16 (40.0%)	5 (35.7%)	P=0.442b
University	8 (8.8%)	4 (10.8%)	3 (7.5%)	1 (7.1%)
Residence
Urban	76 (83.5%)	31 (83.8%)	34 (85.0%)	11 (78.6%)
Rural	15 (16.5%)	6 (16.2%)	6 (15.0%)	3 (21.4%)	P=0.854b
Living
With family	65 (71.4%)	27 (73.0%)	29 (72.5%)	9 (64.3%)
Alone	26 (28.6%)	10 (27.0%)	11 (27.5%)	5 (35.7%)	P=0.812b
Clinical
ACS type
STEMI	41 (45.0%)	18 (48.7%)	18 (45.0%)	5 (35.7%)
NSTEMI	41 (45.0%)	15 (40.5%)	18 (45.0%)	8 (57.2%)	P=0.888b
UA	9 (10.0%)	4 (10.8%)	4 (10.0%)	1 (7.1%)
Treatment
PCI	66 (72.5%)	32 (86.5%)	28 (70.0%)	6 (42.8%)
CT	16 (17.6%)	2 (5.4%)	10 (25.0%)	4 (28.6%)	P=0.007b
CABG	9 (9.9%)	3 (8.1%)	2 (5.0%)	4 (28.6%)
Comorbidities
Diabetes mellitus	20 (22.0%)	6 (16.2%)	11 (27.5%)	3 (21.4%)	P=0.489b
Arterial hypertension	74 (81.2%)	26 (70.3%)	36 (90.0%)	12 (85.7%)	P=0.077b
History of CVA	10 (11.0%)	4 (10.8%)	6 (15.0%)	0 (0.0%)	P=0.303b
COPD	12 (13.2%)	5 (13.5%)	7 (17.5%)	0 (0.0%)	P=0.249b

Notes:

a Student’s t-test,

b Pearson’s chi-square test. Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviations: (%), interest; ACS, acute coronary syndrome; CABG, coronary artery bypass graft; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CT, conservative therapy; CVA, cerebrovascular accident; M, mean; n, cardinality; NSTEMI, no ST elevation myocardial infarction; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; SD, standard deviation; STEMI, ST elevation myocardial infarction; UA, unstable angina.

Comparison of health-related QoL values in each MacNew domain: by age

Multiple comparisons showed a statistical correlation between group A (65–75 years) and group B (76–85 years) (4.7±0.7 vs 4.2±0.9, P=0.043). In the physical and social domain, patients aged 65–75 years declared higher QoL than those aged 76–85 years (4.1±0.8 vs 3.5±0.9, P=0.008; and 5.1±0.7 vs 4.4±0.9, P=0.009, respectively). Other comparisons (A vs C and B vs C) did not show significant differences (P>0.05). The results are shown in Table 2.

Table 2 QoL evaluation using the MacNew questionnaire in each domain: global, physical, emotional, and social

QoL domains (MacNew) (patients)	Total N=91	Age (years)			Comparison resulta
		A 65–75	B 76–85	C 86–92
Global
M ± SD	4.4±0.8	4.7±0.7	4.2±0.9	4.4±0.6
Me (Q1; Q3)	4.5 (3.8; 5.0)	4.7 (4.3; 5.2)	4.3 (3.4; 4.8)	4.3 (3.9; 4.8)	A vs B
Min–Max	2.2–6.0	4.3–6.0	2.2–5.8	3.3–5.6	P=0.043
Physical
M ± SD	3.8±0.9	4.1±0.8	3.5±0.9	3.7±0.6
Me (Q1; Q3)	3.8 (3.2; 4.4)	4.2 (3.5; 4.6)	3.5 (2.8; 4.2)	3.7 (3.2; 4.2)	A vs B
Min–Max	1.4–5.9	2.8–5.9	1.4–5.3	2.6–4.8	P=0.008
Emotional
M ± SD	4.8±1.0	4.9±0.9	4.6±1.2	4.7±0.8
Me (Q1; Q3)	4.9 (4.0; 5.5)	4.9 (4.3; 5.6)	5.0 (3.5; 5.5)	4.9 (3.9; 5.2)	A vs B
Min–Max	2.2–6.9	2.9–6.9	2.2–6.9	3.6–6.4	P=0.655
Social
M ± SD	4.7±0.9	5.1±0.7	4.4±0.9	4.7±0.6
Me (Q1; Q3)	4.8 (4.1; 5.4)	5.2 (4.5; 5.5)	4.4 (3.6; 5.2)	4.7 (4.2; 5.2)	A vs B
Min–Max	2.5–6.6	3.2–6.6	2.5–6.2	3.5–5.6	P=0.009

Notes:

a Kruskal–Wallis test. Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviations: M, mean; Max, the value of the largest; Me, median; Min, the smallest value; Q₁, lower quartile (25th percentile); Q₃, the upper quartile (75th percentile); QoL, quality of life; SD, standard deviation.

TFI domain values: by age

The mean TFI score in the studied population was 7.43±2.57 (Me 8 [5:9], range: 1–13). Post hoc analysis showed significant differences in TFI evaluation of FS in the global and physical domains between group A (65–75 years) and groups B and C (76–85 and 86–92 years). TFI scores in all domains increased with age, although statistically significant differences were only shown in the global and physical domains, between A and B, and between A and C. No significant differences between B and C were shown (Table 3).

Table 3 FS evaluation in each domain: global, physical, psychological, and social

Tilburg scale scores (patients)	Total N=91	Age (years)			Comparison resulta
		65–75 N=37	76–85 N=40	86–92 N=14
Global
M ± SD	7.43±2.57	5.70±2.22	8.42±2.18	9.14±1.79
Me (Q1; Q3)	8 (5; 9)	5 (4; 8)	8 (7; 10)	9 (8; 10)	P<0.001
Min–Max	1–13	1–11	4–13	5–12
Physical
M ± SD	5.04±1.88	3.49±1.63	6.05±1.18	6.29±1.14
Me (Q1; Q3)	5 (4; 6)	3 (2; 5)	6 (5; 7)	6 (6; 7)	P<0.001
Min–Max	0–8	0–7	4–8	4–8
Psychological
M ± SD	1.53±0.96	1.32±0.91	1.62±0.98	1.79±0.97
Me (Q1; Q3)	2 (1; 2)	1 (1; 2)	2 (1; 2)	2 (1; 2)	P=0.159
Min–Max	0–3	0–3	0–3	0–3
Social
M ± SD	0.88±0.74	0.89±0.77	0.82±0.71	1.00±0.78
Me (Q1; Q3)	1 (0; 1)	1 (0; 1)	1 (0; 1)	1 (0; 2)	P=0.716
Min–Max	0–3	0–3	0–3	0–2

Notes:

a Kruskal–Wallis test. Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviations: FS, frailty syndrome; M, mean; Max, the value of the largest; Me, median; Min, the smallest value; Q₁, lower quartile (25th percentile); Q₃, the upper quartile (75th percentile); SD, standard deviation.

Correlations between global QoL and FS

TFI scores and QoL were shown to be negatively correlated (r=−0.549). Higher TFI scores were related to a lower global QoL evaluation in the MacNew questionnaire (Figure 1). The analysis of correlations between each TFI domain and each MacNew domain proved that all TFI domains are negatively correlated with MacNew domains, that is, higher TFI scores mean lower QoL of patients with ACS. The only exception was the social domain of TFI, which was negatively correlated only with the emotional domain of MacNew (r_S=−0.314, P<0.05), with no other correlations. The results are shown in Table 4.

Table 4 Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients (r_S) for MacNew questionnaire domains and TFI domains

Tilburg domains	MacNew questionnaire domains
	Physical	Emotional	Social	Global
Physical	rS =−0.372 P<0.05	rS =−0.274 P<0.05	rS =−0.367 P<0.05	rS =−0.363 P<0.05
Psychological	rS =−0.379 P<0.05	rS =−0.627 P<0.05	rS =−0.377 P<0.05	rS =−0.537 P<0.05
Social	rS =−0.036 P>0.05	rS =−0.314 P<0.05	rS =+0.072 P>0.05	rS =+0.129 P>0.05
Global	rS =−0.447 P<0.05	rS =−0.515 P<0.05	rS =−0.406 P<0.05	rS =−0.514 P<0.05

Note: Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviation: TFI, Tilburg frailty indicator.

Figure 1 Diagram of correlations between MacNew global QoL scores and TFI global FS scores.

Abbreviations: FS, frailty syndrome; QoL, quality of life; FS, frailty syndrome; TFI, Tilburg frailty indicator.

Sociodemographic and clinical factors that may affect QoL independently of FS were also analyzed (Table 5). Overall QoL was higher among married patients. A positive trend in QoL during the time of hospitalization was observed in patients treated with PCI, compared to those undergoing CT (P=0.043 <0.05). Analysis of the influence of comorbidities on global MacNew QoL scores showed that only arterial hypertension negatively affected QoL during the time of hospitalization (4.34±0.83 vs 4.83±0.73, P=0.038). The results are shown in Table 5.

Table 5 Influence of demographic characteristics, clinical factors and comorbidities on global MacNew QoL scores

Variable	MacNew: Global QoL			Comparison result
	M ± SD	Me (Q1; Q3)	Min–Max
Marital status
Married	4.62±0.81	4.69 (3.90; 5.25)	2.97–6.05	P=0.047a
Single	4.25±0.82	4.40 (3.72; 4.80)	2.25–5.88
Education
Primary	4.29±0.89	4.15 (3.62; 5.00)	2.72–6.05	P=0.728b
Vocational	4.39±0.78	4.59 (3.85; 5.52)	2.25–5.52
High school	4.51±0.88	4.61 (3.85; 5.15)	2.60–5.90
University	4.63±0.69	4.59 (4.08; 5.09)	3.72–5.78
Living
With family	4.47±0.87	4.25 (3.82; 5.15)	2.72–6.05	P=0.654a
Alone	4.34±0.76	4.59 (3.90; 4.90)	2.25–5.28
ACS type
STEMI	4.48±0.82	4.53 (3.83; 5.15)	2.60–5.83
NSTEMI	4.45±0.84	4.65 (3.93; 4.98)	2.25–6.05	STEMI vs NSTEMI
UA	4.19±0.88	3.90 (3.53; 4.68)	3.13–5.68	P=0.587
Treatment
PCI	4.56±0.82	4.66 (3.90; 5.15)	2.25–6.05
CABG	4.35±0.63	4.55 (4.05; 4.80)	3.10–5.15	PCI vs CT
CT	3.96±0.85	3.90 (3.36; 4.49)	2.60–5.68	P=0.043
Comorbidities
Diabetes mellitus	4.61±0.78	4.73 (3.95; 5.21)	3.38–5.90
Arterial hypertension	4.34±0.83	4.41 (3.80; 4.93)	2.25–6.05
Hypercholesterolemia	4.42±0.69	4.55 (3.89; 4.95)	3.10–5.78
Renal insufficiency	4.30±0.80	4.16 (3.83; 4.90)	2.73–5.68
COPD	4.22±1.22	4.26 (3.31; 5.30)	2.25–5.88
History of CVA	3.98±1.07	3.99 (2.98; 4.70)	2.60–5.58

Notes:

a Mann–Whitney U-test,

b Kruskal–Wallis test. Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviations: ACS, acute coronary syndrome; CABG, coronary artery bypass graft; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CT, conservative therapy; CVA, cerebrovascular accident; M, Mean; Max, the value of the largest; Me, median; Min, the smallest value; NSTEMI, no ST elevation acute coronary syndrome; PCI, percutaneous coronary intervention; Q1, lower quartile (25th percentile); Q3, the upper quartile (75th percentile); SD, standard deviation; STEMI, ST elevation myocardial infarction; UA, unstable angina.

The results of the multiple regression analysis (using the forward stepwise method), which included the variables that negatively affected QoL in the single-factor analysis, are shown in Table 6. FS was shown to be an independent predictor of QoL.

Table 6 QoL models

Global score (QoL)	Simple regression		Stepwise multiple regression
	β ± SE	P-value	β ± SE	P-value
FS	−0.423±0.096	<0.001	−0.246±0.122	0.048
Single	−0.223±0.103	0.034	–	>0.05
Conservative therapy	−0.263±0.102	0.012	–	>0.05
Arterial hypertension	−0.230±0.103	0.028	–	>0.05
TFI >7	−0.434±0.095	<0.001	−0.277±0.122	0.026

Note: Data in bold indicates statistical significance.

Abbreviations: β, standardized beta coefficient for independent variables; FS, frailty syndrome; QoL, quality of life; SE, standard error; TFI, Tilburg frailty indicator; −, not applicable.

To determine the cutoff value in each FS component (TFI domain), a global MacNew QoL score of >4.5 points was used as a criterion for good QoL (Figure 2).

Figure 2 ROC curve for the global TFI score (cutoff value: TFI ≤7).

Abbreviations: ROC, receiver operating characteristic; TFI, Tilburg frailty indicator; AUC, area under ROC curve.

Discussion

Two validated research instruments were used for this purpose: the MacNew questionnaire and the TFI.

Cardiovascular conditions, including ACS, are among the most common causes of death for elderly patients worldwide. With the ongoing development in medical science, improving the QoL of these patients becomes another achievable goal, aside from prolonging their lives.⁴² Functional deficits in elderly patients, including all biopsychosocial limitations, are due, among other factors, to FS.⁴³ This is why special focus is placed on identifying FS and applying early treatment, especially in cardiovascular patients. The American Heart Association and the Society of Geriatric Cardiology recognize the need for FS assessment in elderly patients with ACS.⁴⁴ Some studies document an association between FS and CVD.^45–49 It is known that they share a common biological and epidemiological pathway. Additionally, CVD may accelerate the development of frailty.⁶ In the present study, the prevalence of frailty measured using the TFI was 82.4%. In other studies, the percentage is lower, between 25% and 50%,⁵⁰ and up to 74% for cardiovascular patients.⁶ Some explanations for such a high FS prevalence in the studied population might be poor initial health resulting from ACS, limitations in daily activities, and the use of invasive procedures. One should note that the percentage of FS diagnoses also depends on the research tool used.^10,12,19,43

Many studies on frailty have shown a strong correlation between FS and lower QoL, but there is a shortage of studies showing the influence of FS on QoL in elderly patients with ACS. Mansur et al¹⁷ and Sclauzero et al¹⁸ studied patients with chronic kidney disease. The Short Form-36 questionnaire was used, showing that seven out of eight domains were significantly different between frail and nonfrail patients with chronic kidney disease and there were correlations between frailty and QoL domains, excluding indices of social functioning. Additionally, components of frailty, such as dependence, malnutrition, disability, poor social and economic conditions had a significant effect on QoL. Bilotta et al²³ proved that physical frailty status assessed by the Study of Osteoporotic Fractures criteria negatively affected five out of seven dimensions of QoL examined using the older people’s QoL questionnaire in a sample of Italian older adults. Analogous findings were shown in studies of community-dwelling Chinese,²⁶ Mexican American,²¹ North American,¹⁶ and Taiwanese older adults,¹⁹ where nonfrail subjects had a better QoL than frail subjects. In these studies, frailty was evaluated using the Fried criteria and QoL was evaluated using the Short Form-36 questionnaire. Gobbens et al²⁸ in a study on a Dutch sample of older adults, where the TFI and the WHO quality of life-BREF questionnaire were used, demonstrated that frailty and QoL had strong correlations.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the relationship between frailty and QoL during the time of hospitalization in elderly patients with ACS. Our study demonstrated that the presence of FS has an impact on QoL in patients with ACS. A negative correlation between TFI domains and MacNew domains in patients with ACS suggests a moderate relationship between FS and QOL. In the study population, it was observed that women were older compared to men. This situation undoubtedly affects the fact that older women often remain single. The study showed that QoL scores in patients with ACS become even lower with age. In addition, the FS evaluation showed that in the three treatment groups divided by age, there was a gradual increase in the TFI questionnaire score. Therefore, the understanding of FS’s influence on QoL in elderly patients with ACS should provide guidance for applying new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, especially that frailty is considered a significant predictor of adverse outcomes and poor QoL in elderly patients with CVD. The study showed that QoL improvement in patients with ACS was larger following the relief of angina with PCI treatment than following CT. Similarly to other authors’ reports,^51–55 patients treated with PCI had better outcomes, not only in terms of clinical variables (reduction in angina, survival advantage) but also better QoL. It should be stated, though, that data in this area is still limited, especially in the elderly population, but we believe that further studies will confirm the previous results, yielding patient-centered benefits.

Little is known about the relationship between frailty and the different aspects of QoL in general, and about any interventions improving QoL in frail patients with ACS. We believe in the great importance of paying special attention to the specific needs of frail patients with ACS, in order to improve their functional and mental independence and their QoL.

Study limitations

The study has a few potential limitations. One such limitation is the fact that our sample was relatively small and was recruited at a single center. Additionally, the subjective evaluation of QoL can be adversely affected by the current hospitalization, poorer health, and other symptoms that significantly impair daily functioning. The study should be continued, with the same group of subjects, within 6 months after their ACS incident.

Conclusion

FS contributes to a decrease in the QoL of patients with ACS in all its four dimensions (physical, psychological, social, and global). Correlations have been shown between TFI domains and QoL domains. Therefore, FS assessment is an important factor determining the patients’ QoL. Identifying FS might become a factor contributing to a change in the therapeutic approach.

The study showed correlations between each QoL domain and the TFI domains of FS assessment, demonstrating the multidimensional nature of FS. Early FS diagnosis will enable the implementation of the appropriate efforts to improve the general QoL of elderly patients with ACS.

Implications for practice

The conducted study proved that identification of a frail person is important for clinical care and research. This is significant due to the fact that frailty is prevalent in older people and involves a progressive physiological decline in reserve and function across multiple physiologic systems. The complex care plan beyond the QoL assessment should take into account assessment of a frail person who requires additional intervention. It is worth mentioning that early identification of FS among elderly patients with ACS will enable the implementation of the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic efforts to potentially prevent or delay the clinical consequence of frailty and improve the general QoL. Furthermore, the assessment of FS will allow an adjustment of nursing interventions provided to frail patients. Frail older adults potentially require an intervention which influence on improvement of QoL and biopsychosocial nature of person. It is confirmed that some sociodemographic factors, such as being married, having completed higher education, living with family, and some clinical factors like PCI, fewer comorbidities contribute to improved early QoL care in frail elderly. Care consideration of the frail should analyze not only the decision about appropriate treatment, but also needs to include the necessities of daily care, such as exercise including resistance and strength, supplementation of nutritious meals, environmental modification, transportation to health care appointments, medications, home maintenance and safety, and family and professional caregiver education. It is emphasized that nurses can assess frailty and initiate intervention to prevent functional dependence. Nowadays, nursing care services must develop in response to the needs of the frail adults and participate in changes of the health care system.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.