Abstract
Background: The potential convergent validity of the
pooled cohort risk (PCR) equations in predicting health-related quality of life
(HRQOL) has yet to be evaluated, which was this study’s purpose.
Methods: Data from the 2001-2011 National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (N = 8978 adults, 40-79 years, free of
cardiovascular disease at baseline). Calculation of an individual’s 10-year
risk of a first atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event was
determined via the PCR equation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) HRQOL measure was assessed utilizing 4 questions regarding participants’
perceived mental and physical health status from the past 30 days.
Results: When adjusting for moderate-to-vigorous physical
activity (MVPA), obesity, age, gender and race-ethnicity, an ASCVD score of
>20% (vs. <20%) was associated with a 0.53-unit (95% CI: 0.34-0.71)
higher HRQOL score. A higher HRQOL score indicates a poorer patient perception
of their mental and physical health.
Conclusion: The observed
association between PCR-determined ASCVD-risk scores and HRQOL provides
evidence for the convergent validity of the PCR algorithms, indicating that
individuals with a higher risk for a first time ASCVD-event may also have an
overall worse HRQOL. As such, employing ASCVD risk reduction efforts may be an
important strategy in improving an individual’s HRQOL.