Quality of life after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: age matters.

Abstract

To evaluate how long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) differs by age among survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). In a nationwide, survey-based study, the HRQoL of adult survivors of OHCA in Denmark (2001-2019) was assessed using the EuroQol questionnaire (EQ-5D), the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). A total of 2552 out of 4545 survivors (56.1%) completed the survey. Median follow-up was 5.5 years (IQR 2.9-8.9 years). Median age at follow-up was 67 years (IQR 58-74). Across EQ-5D domains, age-related differences were observed. Mobility problems increased from 17% among respondents <35 years to 56% among those ≥75 years (p for trend <0.01). Self-care problems increased from 9% to 23% (p for trend <0.01), and limitations in usual activities reached 55% in the oldest group (p for trend <0.01). Pain/discomfort did not vary with age (p for trend = 0.25). Anxiety/depression problems were more common in younger respondents and decreased with age (p for trend <0.01). SF-12 physical scores ranged from 47.4 (SD 10.2) in respondents <35 years to 37.7 (SD 12.0) in those ≥75 years, whereas mental component scores were stable (mean 52.9 [SD 8.3]). HADS anxiety scores were 5.4 (SD 4.3) in the youngest and 3.3 (SD 3.2) in the oldest group. HRQoL after OHCA differed across age groups. Older survivors reported more physical limitations, whereas younger survivors reported more anxiety. These findings support age-tailored and domain-specific follow-up after cardiac arrest.