Alexithymia correlates with physical quality of life after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty

Abstract

Background and aims:

Little data is available on psychological factors involved in health-related Quality of Life (Qol) after Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA). The present study aims at examining the impact of alexithymia on mental and physical QoL 6 months after PTCA.

Methods:

We continuously enrolled patients admitted to a cardiology ward of Toulouse University Hospital for PTCA. Within 24 hours of the PTCA, each subject was assessed with the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) which provides a Physical Component Score (PCS) and a Mental Component Score (MCS). At 6 months, the SF-36 was re-administered by telephone. Correlations analyses were performed, controlling for sex, age, cardio-vascular risk factors and number of dilated arteries.

Results:

Fifty-nine subjects (83.9% male) completed the follow-up interview. Mean age was 65.6(SD=11), mean TAS score was 49.1(SD=12.2), mean baseline and 6-month MCS scores were respectively 44.2(SD=11.7) and 48(SD=13.3) and mean baseline and 6-month PCS scores were respectively 41.3(SD=8.8) and 43.8(SD=9.4). At baseline, TAS was correlated with MCS (p<.05) but not with PCS. At 6 months, TAS was no longer associated with MCS, however, after controlling for baseline PCS, increased TAS scores were significantly associated with poorer PCS scores (p<.05).

Conclusions:

According to our findings, patients with high levels of alexithymia may be at risk of poorer physical QoL 6 months after PTCA. Therefore the assessment of this psychological construct may prove useful in detecting patients who might benefit from further support.