Poor quality of life is associated with obesity and sedentary life style in atherosclerotic disease: a cross-sectional study / A má qualidade de vida está associada à obesidade e ao estilo de vida sedentário na doença aterosclerótica: um estudo transversal

The Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important measure of the health status of a population. It can be related to nutritional status and risk factors of cardiovascular disease.This study aimed to assess the quality of life and the association with nutritional status and other modifiable risk factors in patients with atherosclerotic disease.This is a cross-sectional study carried out in two public health centers in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A total of 273 participants with a documented history of atherosclerotic disease in the last ten years from their entry to the study. Quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire); physical activity; food intake (food frequency questionnaire), blood pressure; anthropometric and biochemical measures were assessed. Poor quality of life scores were identified, women had lower scores (p0.05) for all SF-36 domains. Obesity was associated with a decreased score of SF-36 physical and mental health domains. Sedentary lifestyle was associated with poorer quality of life in almost all domains assessed. The adoption of healthy weight and appropriate physical activity was associated with better quality of life in patients with atherosclerotic disease.