Published online Jan 19, 2024. doi: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i1.63
Peer-review started: November 21, 2023
First decision: December 5, 2023
Revised: December 6, 2023
Accepted: December 21, 2023
Article in press: December 21, 2023
Published online: January 19, 2024
Processing time: 59 Days and 2.5 Hours
Postpartum quality of life (QoL) in women with heart disease has been neglected.
To improve clinical communication and treatment, we integrated medical data and subjective characteristics to study postpartum QoL concerns.
The study assessed QoL 6 wk after birth using the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Cardiac Anxiety Question
This retrospective study examined postpartum QoL in 105 cardiac patients. Postpartum QoL scores were lower (90.69 ± 13.82) than those of women without heart disease, with physical component scores (41.09 ± 9.91) lower than mental component scores (49.60 ± 14.87). Postpartum depression (33.3%), moderate anxiety (37.14%), pregnancy concerns (57.14%), offspring heart problems (57.14%), and life expectancy worries (48.6%) were all prevalent. No previous cardiac surgery, multiparity, higher sadness and cardiac anxiety, and fear of unfavorable pregnancy outcomes were strongly related to lower QoL (R2 = 0.525).
Postpartum QoL is linked to physical and mental health in women with heart disease. Our study emphasizes the need for healthcare workers to recognize the unique characteristics of these women while developing and implementing comprehensive management approaches during their maternity care.
Core Tip: This study illuminates the intimate connection between quality of life (QoL) and physical and psychological well-being in postpartum women with cardiac conditions. Results showed lower postpartum QoL scores, including higher depression and cardiac anxiety, and worry about adverse pregnancy outcomes. Thus, healthcare providers must recognize their unique features when developing and implementing comprehensive obstetric care plans for these women.