The Impact of Anxiety and Depression on Health-Related Quality of Life in Hyperlipidemic Adults in the United States

Background: Mental health issues can significantly affect the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of adults suffering from hyperlipidemia. Therefore, in this study, the aim was to examine how depression and anxiety are related to the HRQoL of adults with hyperlipidemia. Methods: Data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey for 2016 through 2022 were used to identify adult patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia aged 18 or older. The RAND-12 Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS) was used to determine HRQoL. After considering variables such as age, gender, socioeconomic status, and comorbidities, linear regression was used to investigate the relationship between anxiety, depression, and HRQoL in individuals with hyperlipidemia. Results: A sample of 7984 adults with hyperlipidemia was identified; 9.0% experienced depression, 10.2% had anxiety, and 6.8% had both disorders. The HRQoL mean scores were lowest for adults with depression and anxiety compared to those with hyperlipidemia only. Results from the adjusted linear regression analysis revealed that hyperlipidemia patients with depression (MCS: beta = -5.535, p-value < 0.0001), anxiety (MCS: beta = -4.406, p-value < 0.0001), and both depression and anxiety (MCS: beta = -8.730, p-value < 0.0001) had a significantly lower HRQoL compared to patients with hyperlipidemia only. However, in this study, it was also found that those who were physically active and employed had notably higher scores on the PCS and MCS than those who were not. Conclusions: The links between anxiety, depression, and lower HRQoL in patients with hyperlipidemia are clarified in this nationally representative study. This research also revealed the adverse effects of coexisting chronic conditions on HRQoL while emphasizing the benefits of employment and regular exercise. Importantly, these findings provide a compelling case for enhancing healthcare planning, allocating resources, and promoting lifestyle changes in adults with hyperlipidemia, underlining the importance of addressing mental health issues in this population.