Life satisfaction, five-years after a coronary angiography, between physical exercise and socio-economic inequalities.

Five-years after undergoing a coronary angiography, socioeconomic status and health related
behaviours are known to affect life satisfaction (LS), but their respective influence remains
unclear. Our aim was to analyze patients’ LS and its relationships with cardiovascular diseases, risk factors and preventive behaviours developed in the last 5 years and socioeconomic conditions. Methods: Based on records from the National Institute of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiological Intervention in Luxembourg, 3632 survivors who underwent coronary angiography between 2008 and 2009 were contacted in 2013 by letter to complete a self-questionnaire assessing LS [1-10] and other cofounder factors. Data were analysed via multiple regression models. Results. Life satisfaction of 1289 volunteers (69.2 years) was 7.3/10. Majority were men, Luxembourgish, secondary education level, employees and manual workers, and those with an income of 36000 euros or more per year. Being a woman, not living in couple and having a low middle income were negatively associated with the LS level. Patients who suffered in the last 5 years from angina pectoris, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, or who stopped smoking because of the disease were more likely to have lower LS, in contrast to those who participate in
regular physical activity or exercise. Conclusions: Patients’ LS indicator was lower than the national life satisfaction in Luxembourg (7.8/10) which was higher than that from the European (7.0 for EU-27). Coaching patients with interventions that foster healthy attitudes can help sustain rehabilitation and enhance life satisfaction, adding beyond a reduction of socioeconomic inequalities.