PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 CARDIORENAL SYNDROME

Abstract

Introduction. Multiple studies have assessed the role of the stress, as well as of the quality of life, in patients with heart failure. However, specific data about the quality of life in patients with cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) are limited.

The objective of the study. To assess the quality of life and the level of psychosocial stress in patients with type 2 cardiorenal syndrome.

Materials and methods. We performed a case-control study for the comparative analysis of two groups of heart failure (HF) patients, with mid-range or reduced ejection fraction: 78 cardiorenal syndrome patients and 64 patients with no renal impairment.

Results. The quality of life parameters were diminished in most of the patients with HF, being more noticeable in the cardiorenal group, 23.6 vs. 28.62 points (p <0.001). HF patients with renal impairment have a more altered psychological state compared to patients without renal impairment, due to depression, anxiety and reduced vitality related to heart disorders, as well as renal dysfunction (32.67 vs. 36.06 points, p <0.05). The stress level was lower in subjects with CRS compared to those with no CRS – 315.57 vs. 329.97 points (p˂0.05). Factors enhancing stress resistance were more common in the CRS group.

Conclusions. CRS influences patients’ status significantly, mostly by diminishing the quality of life.