Versorgung und Lebensqualität von Patienten mit Thoraxschmerzen-Daten aus der Studie über Thoraxschmerz, Anamnese, Risikofaktoren und Koronarangiographie (STARK)

This study could demonstrate a major positive impact of the percutanous coronary interventions on angina and the anxieties associated with it. Six months after discharge, the patients reported an improvement of symptoms, some being without any pain. Regarding drug therapy provided by family doctors and specialists a well above average quality of care was detected. The registered risk factors, regarded individually or in combination, were more frequent than in the average population. The average frequency of office visits were one to two times per month. However, only about 25% of patients could call a specialist for their follow-up outpatient care. A very positive situation could be seen with respect to quality of life. The patients were merely impaired and overall satisfied. The expectation that a myocardial infarction or frequent episodes of chest pain would reduce quality of life did not hold true. Elderly patients were slightly more impaired in every day life situations and have a lower health related quality of life than younger patients but were more satisfied with medical care by their family doctors. The fear of suffering from a myocardial infarction is not as high as mostly discussed in the general population. The survey on physical activity revealed that not ever one out of five patients was doing sports. Also moderately strenuous work was avoided. Most patients were already disturbed by going upstairs. There were only minimal differences between the different age groups. Concerning the aspect „walking“, the values were also not satisfactory. By including the time spent seated the negative situation regarding lack of activity could be somewhat qualified.