Lifestyle changes in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention

Aim Examination of presence of risk factors for developing coronaryhearth disease, the level of knowledge and stance aboutrisk factors, behavior that contributes to the quality of life ofpatients after percutaneous coronary intervention, and influenceof the level of education and age on behavior.Methods The sampling involved 50 respondents (37 males and13 females, aged from 35 to 70 years) who have undergone apercutaneous coronary intervention and had been coming forcontrol examination to the Cardiovascular Department of theUniversity Hosipital Center of Osijek. A questionnaire with40 questions was used as a survey instrument was. The surveywas conducted in the period between 14 November and 5December 2007. Descriptive statistics and differences betweencategorical variables were tested by χ2 test, significance levelwas set at 0.05.Results Most respondents had secondary education, 21(56.8%), and most employed, 22 (44%), were aged 41-50. Asignificant difference in the type of interrupted activity due toillness according to the age was noted (p=0.028). A drop inconfidence was noted in 11 (50%) respondents with secondaryeducation. Younger respondents believed that their illness hadaffected their careers. Nine (20.9%) patients reported sexualdysfunction as one of the impacts on their private life. In respondentswith lower professional qualification there was nochange or the cessation of alcohol drinking.Conclusion The risk factors for developing coronary heartdisease was noted. The attitudes of respondents were not inaccordance with the knowledge about risk factors indicatingthe need for education regardless of gender, age and educationlevel.