Analysis of factors associated with the quality of life in high blood pressure patients

Abstract

Introduction: High Blood Pressure (HBP) is associated with several factors that affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of the general population, such as diabetes mellitus, smoking, feeding, etc. Objective: To analyze the HRQOL and associated factors in patients with controlled high blood pressure in the Hypertension Unit of Clinical Management Unit (CMU) of Nephrology, University Hospital Reina Sofía (UHRS) of Cordoba. Patients and Methods: An observational, descriptive study was conducted in 33 hypertensive patients with a mean age of 73.24 ± 5.55 years; 20 men (60.6%) and 13 women (39.4%) monitored in the Hypertension Unit of CMU of Nephrology in UHRS of Cordoba. HRQL was analyzed by the health SF-36 questionnaire. For the analysis of dependence, Barthel Index was used. Results: HRQL values were: General Health 43.36 ± 24.84; Physical Function 58.18 ± 32.71; Physical Role 78.98 ± 34.51; Emotional Role 82.07 ± 28.50; Social Function 81.81 ± 33.67; Body Pain 66.06 ± 39.42; Vitality 63.83 ± 33.80; Mental health 70.45 ± 29.27. Physical function, General Health and Body Pain were the dimensions in which they scored lower than the reference population. Regarding the degree of dependence, 45.45% were independent; 51.51% mild dependence and 3.03% severe dependence. A statistically significant correlation between age and Physical Function and Vitality dimensions was found; between weight and Physical Role and Body Mass Index (BMI); between exercise and Social Function; between BMI and Physical Role and Physical Health. Patients with some degree of dependency had diminished HRQOL compared to independents. Conclusions: According to the results, it can be stated that, at least in the studied sample, lower HRQOL is associated with some degree of dependency and not with suffering from high blood pressure; being the General Health, Physical Function and Body Pain the dimensions with worse scores compared to the general population. Increased age and/or BMI are related to lower HRQOL.