Quality of Life is Related to Haemodynamics in Precapillary Pulmonary Hypertension

Background Precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterised by compromised functional capacity and impaired quality of life. Assessment of haemodynamics is routinely used for initial diagnosis, follow-up, and risk stratification in these patients. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) as assessed by emPHasis-10 score, a self-assessment questionnaire assessing breathlessness, fatigue, control, and confidence, to haemodynamic and neurohormonal indices in patients with precapillary PH. Method This was a prospective cross-sectional study which included stable patients with precapillary PH. All patients underwent right heart catheterisation, 6-minute walk test, N-terminal pro–brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) measurement, and assessment of HRQoL with the emPHasis-10 scale. Results Overall, 54 patients were included (32 women; mean age, 58.4 ± 14.6 yr). Mean emPHasis-10 score was 19.2 ± 12.0. EmPHasis-10 score correlated with World Health Organization functional class (r = 0.52, p  10 (NT-proBNP) (r = 0.41, p  Conclusions Self-assessment of quality of life with the use of the emPHasis-10 score reflects functional capacity and is correlated with haemodynamic and neurohormonal indices of right heart dysfunction in patients with precapillary PH.