The impact of gastrointestinal symptoms on health status in patients with cardiovascular disease

• Published in: Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics 2003-04, Vol.17 (7), p.881-885
• Main Authors: Laheij, R. J. F., Van Rossum, L. G. M., Krabbe, P. F. M., Jansen, J. B. M. J., Verheugt, F. W. A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Anxiety Disorders - etiology; Biological and medical sciences; Cardiology. Vascular system; Cardiovascular Diseases - complications; Cardiovascular Diseases - psychology; Coronary heart disease; Depressive Disorder - etiology; Female; Gastroenterology. Liver. Pancreas. Abdomen; Gastrointestinal Diseases - complications; Gastrointestinal Diseases - psychology; Health Status; Heart; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Other diseases. Semiology; Pain - etiology; Self Concept; Stomach. Duodenum. Small intestine. Colon. Rectum. Anus; Surveys and Questionnaires
• ISSN: 0269-2813; 1365-2036
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01542.x

Summary Background : Drugs for the management of cardiovascular disease may provoke gastrointestinal discomfort and complications. Aim : To evaluate whether upper gastrointestinal symptoms affect the health status of patients with cardiovascular disease. Methods : Two weeks after discharge, 958 consecutive patients, who had been admitted to the Coronary Care Unit of the University Hospital Nijmegen between January and September 2001, were sent a questionnaire for the evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms and health status. Results : The questionnaire was returned by 632 patients (66%), with 334 patients (53%) reporting gastrointestinal symptoms. The self‐rated health status (mean and 95% confidence interval), evaluated by visual analogue scale, was 70 (68–72) for patients without and 61 (59–63) for patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (P = 0.001). Patients with gastrointestinal symptoms reported significantly higher rates of problems with mobility (50% vs. 37%), self‐care (19% vs. 10%), usual activities (70% vs. 52%), pain/discomfort (96% vs. 38%) and anxiety/depression (41% vs. 20%) when compared with those without gastrointestinal symptoms. Conclusion : Upper gastrointestinal symptoms strongly impaired the health status of patients with cardiovascular disease.