[Quality of life in people with pacemaker]

The aim of this study was to measure Quality of Life (QOL) before a pacemaker (PM) implantation and 1, 6 and 12 months later. Using a descriptive, comparative and correlative design a sample of 157 patients was studied who were divided in four groups: the group A (43 patients) who had to implant the PM; the group B (38 patients) who had the PM implanted 1 month before; the group C (29 patients) who had the PM implanted 6 months before, and the group C (44 patients) who the PM implanted 12 months before. The SF-36 scale was used. Groups B, C and D had QOL levels significantly higher than group A. In group A QOL was higher in people who were male, older, more educated, with higher income, more cohabitants and children. In group B QOL was higher in patients with ventricular pacing, male, younger, without job and illnesses. In group C QOL was higher in patients with non rate responsive PM, younger, without job and illnesses. In group D QOL was higher in younger and in those without job and illnesses. The present study gives and overview of QOL before and after a PM implantation and highlights the importance to modify nursing care from the preoperative to the immediate and later postoperative period.