The Quality of Life after Aortic Valve Replacement with Homografts or
Prosthetic Valves
Piotr Podolec, Roman Pfitzner, Karol Wierzbicki, Magdalena Kostkiewicz,
Piotr Pieniazek,Maria Olszowska, Tadeusz Przewlocki, Andrzey Sokolowski,
Wierlawa Tracz, Antoni Dziatkowiak

Evaluation of the quality of life and the circulatory efficiency was based on clinical and echocardiographic examinations, and on data from questionnaires given in two patient groups after homogenic (HV, n = 220) or prosthetic (PV, n = 220) aortic valve implantation. The groups were similar in terms of age, sex, follow up period, risk factors and type of heart defect, and showed no valve dysfunction. Subjective evaluation of the quality of life assessed by questionnaire correlated with a clinical evaluation. The greater working ability of HV patients accounted for their better sense of well-being. Frequent applications for disability pension and decreases in sexual activity did not correlate with improved circulatory efficiency and physical activity. Postoperative anxiety was identified in 33% of patients examined.