Introduction: The evolution of cardiac pacing is expected to decrease the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but this type of intervention might affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and eventually the overall prognosis of the patient. This study assessed the HRQOL in patients with permanent pacemaker using Philippines (Tagalog) Short Form (SF)-36v2 health survey.Introduction:The evolution of cardiac pacing is expected to decrease the cardiovascular morbidity and mortality but this type of intervention might affect the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and eventually the overall prognosis of the patient. This study assessed the HRQOL in patients with permanent pacemaker using Philippines (Tagalog) Short Form (SF)-36v2 health survey. Methods: A cross-sectional correlation study was conducted. Philippines (Tagalog) SF-36v2 health survey was administered among patients with permanent pacemaker who had their pacemaker analysis at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital from October to December 2015. The higher the score the better HRQOL and many studies used a cut-off point of 50. Pearson Correlation and Non-Parametric Mann-Whitney Tests were used in this study. Results: Forty-two patients were enrolled in this study. There were 24 male and 18 females with mean interval of age 71.48+12.3. Most of the HRQOL scores were lower than 50. The highest HRQOL scores were vitality and mental health aspect while the worst were role emotional and physical functional aspect. Age, educational attainment, type of permanent pacemaker, pacemaker dependency, NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional capacity and presence of co-morbidities particularly diabetes mellitus type 2 were significant factors for poor HRQOL. Conclusion This study showed that overall the HRQOL in patients with permanent pacemaker was below average. A comprehensive management in order to improve the HRQOL should be considered among patients with permanent pacemaker.
Quality of Life

Introduction: Anxiety and depression are the two most common mental disorders among medically ill patients with prevalence of 10%-50%. Anxiety and depression are prevalent in patient with heart disease and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depression and its correlation with clinical profile in heart failure patients using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Filipino Version (HADS-P). Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted. HADS-P questionnaire was administered to heart failure patients admitted at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital from December 2013 to November 2014. After securing consent from the attending physicians and patients, the HADS-P questionnaires were then administered to the patients at the end of hospitalization by the investigator/s. The recommended cut-off score for HADS-P is score of 11. Chi-square and Independent T-tests were used in this study. Results: 144 heart failure patients were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of depression and anxiety among heart failure patients is 13.2% and 25.7%, respectively. Having prior coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty, EF < 40%, and multiple co-morbidity diseases/s are significant factors for depression. While among patients with anxiety, the significant factor is the length of hospital stay. Conclusion This study shows that depression and anxiety are common among heart failure patients. Heart failure patients should be screened for depression and anxiety especially among those having above mentioned clinical profile. The HADS-P questionnaire is an easily applied screening method. A formal psychiatric referral can be taken and should be a part of the comprehensive management among heart failure patients with depression and anxiety.
Anxiety ; Depression ; Heart Failure ; Heart Diseases