Selected aspects of quality of life and life chances in the assessment of adolescents with congenital heart disease after cardiac correction

Background : The progress of contemporary cardiology and cardiac surgery significantly prolonged life of young people with congenital heart disease and contributed to the ability to carry out their normal life. In recent years, the interest in the quality of life conditioned by the state of health has significantly increased, including patients with heart defects. Young people with complex heart defects may have different physical and psychosocial problems.

Aim : Assessment of selected elements of the quality of life and the life chances of young people with congenital heart defects after cardiac correction.

Material and methods : The study was conducted at the Institute of Polish Mother’s Health Centre in Lodz, in the period January–October 2008. The study group consisted of 100 patients aged 14–23 years with congenital heart disease (complex, cyanotic) who underwent cardiac surgery or were at subsequent stages open heart surgery, treated in the Department of Cardiology and the Cardiac Clinic. Data were collected on the basis of an anonymous survey of our own design and a List of Personal Values (LPV). For statistical analysis used Pearson’s χ², assuming the level of statistically significant value p < 0.05.

Results : Our research show that most patients (63%) after congenital heart surgery in several stages has fixed problems that cause many limitations in life, such as the necessity for taken medication, visits to the cardiologist serving, a sense of embarrassment because of the scars. In the opinion of 58%, the disease contributed to the inability to participate fully in everyday life equally with their peers.

Conclusions : Young people are aware of their limitation, but most of them (75%) think positive about the possibilities in adulthood. The most important values in life are recognized: good health and happy family life, as well as knowledge and wisdom.