| Abstract [eng] |
Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide [1]. Although there are many risk factors, it is important to identify the most significant modifiable ones and control them. In patients with cardiovascular diseases, the assessment of quality of life may vary depending on disease perception; however, data on these associations are limited. Aim of the study – to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, the main risk factors, and the associations between disease perception and quality of life. Research objectives: 1. To determine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the main risk factors in the study sample. 2. To assess the associations between cardiovascular diseases and the participants’ sociodemographic characteristics. 3. To evaluate the relationship between illness perception and the participants’ quality of life using the SF-36 questionnaire. Research methods: an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted using an anonymous online questionnaire survey. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic and linear regression models, with results presented as odds ratios and regression coefficients along with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: 28.68% of respondents reported having at least one cardiovascular disease; among them, 59.21% had arterial hypertension and 22.7% reported arrhythmias. A higher risk of disease was statistically significantly associated with older age, male sex, genetic predisposition, dyslipidemia, and stress (all p < 0.001), as well as vocational education (p = 0.018), alcohol consumption (p = 0.010), and a higher body mass index (p = 0.029). A higher perceived number of cardiovascular diseases and greater medication use were associated with poorer quality of life (negatively affecting 6 out of 8 domains). The poorest quality of life was observed among respondents who perceived a diagnosis of heart failure (affecting 5 domains) and those using anticoagulants (affecting 7 domains). In contrast, the perceived need for statin use had a positive effect on 4 domains of quality of life. Conclusions: 1. Nearly one-third of the respondents (28.68%) suffer from at least one cardiovascular disease, the most common of which are arterial hypertension and arrhythmias. 2. Statistically significant associations with cardiovascular diseases were found for perceived stress, alcohol consumption, higher body mass index, dyslipidemia, family history, and sociodemographic factors such as older age, male sex, and vocational education. 3. A higher perceived number of diseases and medication use is statistically significantly associated with a poorer assessment of quality of life. 4. The perception of diagnoses such as myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and arterial hypertension, as well as the use of diuretics or antihypertensive medications, is associated with a poorer quality of life assessment, particularly in cases of heart failure or when using anticoagulants. In contrast, the perception of the need for statin therapy is statistically significantly associated with a more favorable quality of life assessment. |
