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Predictors of readmission and health related quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a comparison of different psychosocial aspects

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Abstract

Psychological distress is common in patients with chronic heart failure. The impact of different psychological variables on prognosis has been shown but the comparative effects of these variables remain unclear. This study examines the impact of depression, anxiety, vital exhaustion, Type D personality, and social support on prognosis in chronic heart failure patients. One hundred eleven patients (mean age 57 ± 14 years) having participated in an exercise based ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation program were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. Psychological baseline data were assessed at program entry. Mortality, readmission, and health-related quality of life were assessed at follow up (mean 2.8 ± 1.1 years). After controlling for disease severity none of the psychological variables were associated with mortality, though severe anxiety predicted readmission [HR = 3.21 (95% CI, 1.04–9.93; P = .042)]. Health-related quality of life was independently explained by vital exhaustion, anxiety and either body mass index (physical dimension) or sex (emotional dimension). As psychological variables have a strong impact on health-related quality of life they should be routinely assessed in chronic heart failure patients` treatment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank all patients who participated in this study.

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No competing financial interests exist.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Social and Behavioral Health Research, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Andreas Volz & Jürgen Barth

  2. Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation, Swiss Cardiovascular Center Bern, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Jean-Paul Schmid, Sonja Kohls & Hugo Saner

  3. Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland

    Marcel Zwahlen

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  1. Andreas Volz
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  2. Jean-Paul Schmid
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  3. Marcel Zwahlen
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  4. Sonja Kohls
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  5. Hugo Saner
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  6. Jürgen Barth
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Correspondence to Jürgen Barth.

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This work is dedicated to Andreas Volz who died in a tragic accident in the Swiss alps during the publication process. It is hard to accept that you have passed away that early, Andi. You will be present in our memories as an open minded person and as a friend. We would like to express our deepest thanks to you for sharing your time with us.

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Volz, A., Schmid, JP., Zwahlen, M. et al. Predictors of readmission and health related quality of life in patients with chronic heart failure: a comparison of different psychosocial aspects. J Behav Med 34, 13–22 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-010-9282-8

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