To investigate functional health status among adults previously operated for aortic coarctation (CoA) compared with healthy subjects; to assess the influence of medication and exercise capacity on patients' functional health.
Questionnaire-based investigation among 119 patients who underwent surgical repair of CoA during 1965-1985 and 36 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects using the SF-36 health survey. Original scores were transformed into norm-based scores, and summary scale scores were calculated. Exercise capacity was measured by symptom-limited bicycle ergometer testing.
Tertiary referral center.
Among 156 current survivors, 119 (74 males) participated in the study. Median age (range) at repair was 11 (0.1-40) years and 44 (26-72) years at follow-up.
Comparison of all components of SF-36 survey between patients and controls, as well as within patients regarding use of cardiovascular medication and exercise capacity.
Norm-based physical functioning scores were significantly lower among patients compared with controls (51.8 ± 7.1 vs. 54.3 ± 4.7, P