ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to evaluate quality of life in pts with DDD pacemakers. The study group consisted of 343 pts (181 F, 162 M), mean age 66.7 +/- 2.5 y (19-92) in whom DDD pacemakers were implanted in the years 1992-1998 due to sick sinus syndrome (213 pts) or AV block (130 pts). Follow-up period was 111-2574 days, mean 924.58 +/- 550 days. The QOL assessment was based on the questionnaire prepared at our Center. The questionnaires were mailed to the pts. The significant improvement in overall well-being (p < 0.001), physical capacity (p < 0.005) and concentration (p < 0.025) was found as compared to the time before implantation. The incidence of syncopy decreased after implantation (p < 0.001). The pts complained of: limitation of arm moving (50.1%), anxiety for disturbances of PM function (41.4%), resignation from job (17.2%), restriction of sport activity (15.7%), necessity for follow-up visits (15.7%) and limitation of sex activity (10.2%). There were not significant differences in QOL between pts paced due to SSS or AV block. We found significant improvement in QOL after implantation of DDD pacemakers. The questionnaire-based assessment of QOL may be useful in management of DDD-paced pts.
