Evaluation of Quality of Life in Cardiovascular Diseases

Abstract

Recently, quality of life (QOL) is an increasingly used measure in clinical trials. Due to its comprehensive understanding of health concept, the impact of illness and treatment on health, functioning and well-being can be broadly evaluated. Hypertension, coronary heart disease and heart failure as chronic illnesses are most frequently assessed in the light of quality of life of the patient. QOL can be assessed with health profile questionnaires that are either generic or specific. Both generic and specific questionnaires have advantages and disadvantages and must be evaluated within the context of the needs of particular study The paper presents most frequently used and well adapted within cardiology QOL questionnaires and discusses problems to be considered when choosing the QOL instrument.