Diagnosis has almost no effect on mental well-being

A German study of 676 adults over the age of 18 with congenital heart defects examined the connection between the severity of participants’ heart defect and their quality of life. People with a mild heart defect are almost as satisfied with their quality of life as healthy people, but participants with moderate or severe heart defects felt their quality of life is reduced.

It is interesting that sociodemographic factors such as education, employment and personal relationships determine to a significant extent how satisfied someone is with their life or health. Independent of heart defect, quality of life is greatly enhanced by a high level of education and by being in a stable relationship. Unemployment, on the other hand, has a negative effect.

One medical factor has a particularly negative impact on quality of life: cyanosis causes considerable physical, social and emotional suffering.

People with a high level of education are more satisfied with their health.

People in a stable relationship or with a high level of education are more satisfied with their lives.