Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA): a patient self-report quality of life survey from INOCA international

Gulati, M., Khan, N., George, M., Berry, C. , Chieffo, A., Camici, P. G., Crea, F., Kaski, J.-C., Marzilli, M. and Merz, C. N. B. (2023) Ischemia with no obstructive coronary artery disease (INOCA): a patient self-report quality of life survey from INOCA international. International Journal of Cardiology, 371, pp. 28-39. (doi: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.09.047) (PMID:36162521)

Abstract

Background: There is limited information available regarding evidence of ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) and quality of life. Purpose: To determine associations between INOCA and self-reported physical, social, and mental health. Methods: We conducted a survey of all members (n = 1579) of the INOCA International patient support group. Current self-reported diagnosis and health measures were collected. Functional capacity was retrospectively estimated using the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI), assessing levels of activities performed prior and after symptom onset. Results: A total of 297 (20.8% response rate, 91% women) reported symptoms of chest pain, pressure, or discomfort in 92.9%. Overall, 34.4% were living with symptoms for ≥3 years before an INOCA diagnosis, and 77.8% were told their symptoms were not cardiac. Estimated functional capacity was higher prior to compared to after symptom onset (8.6 ± 1.8 METs vs 5.6 ± 1.8 METs; P < 0.0001). Most respondents reported an adverse impact of symptoms on their home life (80.5%), social life (80.1%), mental health (70.4%), outlook on life (69.7%), sex life (55.9%), and their partner/spouse relationship (53.9%), while approximately three-quarters reduced their work hours or stopped work completely, 47.5% retired early, and 38.4% applied for disability. Conclusions: INOCA symptoms are associated with adverse physical, mental and social health quality of life. Increased patient awareness, physician recognition and diagnosis, and clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for this increasingly recognized cardiovascular disorder.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Berry, Professor Colin
• Authors: Gulati, M., Khan, N., George, M., Berry, C., Chieffo, A., Camici, P. G., Crea, F., Kaski, J.-C., Marzilli, M., and Merz, C. N. B.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: International Journal of Cardiology
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0167-5273
• ISSN (Online): 1874-1754
• Published Online: 23 September 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Cardiology 371: 28-39
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License