Why medication or tobacco consumption enhance the life satisfaction of cardiovascular patients?

Abstract

Background. While life satisfaction (LS) promotes the health of cardiovascular patients, LS may be affected by a range of primary and secondary determinants. We analysed LS and its relationships with cardiovascular risk factors and unhealthy behaviours. Methods. In 2013, 3,632 survivors who underwent coronary angiography in 2008-2009 at the Luxembourgish National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiological Intervention (INCCI), living at home were asked to estimate, five years after, their LS [1-10] and other health-related variables. Data were analysed via multiple regression models including interaction effects. Findings. LS of the 1,289 participants (age: 69.2±11.1) was 7.3/10. Most were men, employees or manual workers, had secondary education and a 36,000€ or more/year income. The interactions between hypercholesterolemia and hypertension (regression coefficient= 0.628) and with smoking (rc= 0.941) were positively related with LS, but physical inactivity was negatively associated (rc= -0.630). Discussion. Taking medications or maintaining tobacco consumption produces better LS than being ambivalent towards physical activity. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of health interventions eliciting and promoting the behaviour change wheel based on capabilities, opportunities, and motivations.