Chronic heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently coexist, significantly impacting health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study evaluated HRQoL in patients with CHF, COPD, or both, three months post-COVID-19 discharge using EQ-5D and KCCQ questionnaires to guide targeted healthcare interventions. We conducted a cross-sectional study at “Victor Babes” Hospital in Timisoara, enrolling 180 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 (60 in each group including CHF, COPD, and both conditions). HRQoL was assessed via EQ-5D and KCCQ. Significant disparities in HRQoL measures were noted across the groups. Patients with both CHF and COPD reported the worst outcomes, especially in terms of hospital stay lengths due to COVID-19 (11.63 days) and initial oxygen saturation levels (88.7%). HRQoL improvements from discharge to three months post-discharge were significant, with EQ-5D mobility scores improving notably across all groups (CHF and COPD: 2.87 to 2.34, p = 0.010). KCCQ results reflected substantial enhancements in physical limitation (CHF and COPD: 38.94 to 58.54, p = 0.001) and quality of life scores (CHF and COPD: 41.38 to 61.92, p = 0.0031). Regression analysis revealed that dual diagnosis (CHF and COPD) significantly impacted usual activities and quality of life (β = −0.252, p = 0.048; β = −0.448, p = 0.017), whereas the initial severity of COVID-19 was a significant predictor of worse HRQoL outcomes (β = −0.298, p = 0.037; β = −0.342, p = 0.024). The presence of both CHF and COPD in patients recovering from COVID-19 was associated with more severe HRQoL impairment compared with either condition alone. These findings emphasize the need for specialized, comprehensive post-COVID-19 recovery programs that address the complex interplay among chronic conditions to optimize patient outcomes and enhance quality of life.

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who present with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remain at high risk of adverse remodeling after reperfusion. This observational study examined whether pre-admission glucose-lowering therapy class was associated with six-month left ventricular (LV) reverse remodeling and myocardial work recovery. Methods: We analyzed 253 patients with STEMI, baseline LV ejection fraction ≤ 50%, successful primary PCI, and complete baseline and six-month echocardiography. The primary inferential analyses focused on 75 patients with T2DM, grouped according to pre-admission therapy with SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, DPP-4 inhibitors, or conventional therapy; non-diabetic patients were retained as a descriptive reference group. Clinical outcome, propensity-score, subgroup, and mediation analyses were considered exploratory because of small subgroup and event counts. Results: SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist exposure was associated with larger improvements in LVEF, LV volumes, and global work efficiency than DPP-4 inhibitors or conventional therapy. Crude MACE rates were highest in the conventional-therapy group, but event estimates were imprecise and confounded by baseline risk, revascularization status, and discharge therapy. Conclusions: In patients with T2DM recovering from STEMI, pre-admission exposure to SGLT-2 inhibitors and, to a lesser extent, GLP-1 receptor agonists was associated with more favorable structural and myocardial work recovery. These hypothesis-generating findings should be interpreted as associations and require confirmation in adequately powered prospective studies.