Usefulness of a single-item general self-rated health question to predict mortality 12 months after an acute coronary syndrome

Background A single-item general self-rated health (GSRH) question consistently predicts mortality in community cohort studies, but has not been examined in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We investigated whether a single-item GSRH question predicted mortality 12 months post-discharge in 800 ACS patients. Methods Logistic regression was used to assess the relationship of the single-item GSRH question with mortality, controlling for cardiac risk factors, including depressive symptoms. Results The single-item GSHR question was associated with mortality on a bivariable basis (odds ratio=0.50, 95% confidence interval =0.28-0.92, P=0.027), but was not significant after controlling for other risk factors (odds ratio=0.80, 95% confidence interval =0.40-1.60, P=0.522). EurJ Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 15:479-481 (c) 2008 The European Society of Cardiology