A cross-sectional study conducted between July 2023 and September 2024 examined factors affecting quality of life (QoL) in 58 pulmonary arterial hypertension patients on prostacyclin therapy, using validated scales (PAHSS for symptoms, HADS for anxiety/depression, EmPHasis-10 for quality of life).
Key findings:
- Patient profile: mean age 48.9 years, 69% female, 69% with comorbidities, mean disease duration 7.5 years
- Quality of life was substantially impaired (EmPHasis-10 mean score: 30.05)
- EmPHasis-10 scores correlated moderately with symptom burden, anxiety, depression, and reduced 6-minute walk distance
- Age, symptom severity, anxiety, depression, and vomiting together explained 80% of the variance in QoL scores
Conclusion: Despite prostacyclin therapy, quality of life remains significantly compromised in patients — driven not just by physical symptoms but strongly by psychological factors (anxiety/depression). This suggests routine psychological screening and support could be valuable alongside standard pulmonary arterial hypertension treatment.
Read more at this link on the Turkish Cardiology Journal
Citation
Yıldırım F, Ok E, Ünver V, Sezgin D, Ataş H, Şentürk Saraç B. Quality of Life Outcomes in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension Receiving Prostacyclin Therapy: Impact of Anxiety, Depression, Sociodemographic Characteristics, and Treatment-Related Factors. Turk Kardiyol Dern Ars. 2026 Jul 10. English. doi: 10.5543/tkda.2026.01628. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42427315.