Validation of the cardiovascular limitations and symptoms profile (CLASP) in chronic stable angina

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the reliability, validity, and sensitivity of the Cardiovascular Limitations and Symptoms Profile (CLASP) in a group of patients with chronic stable angina. METHODS: After 226 patients with angina had been recruited, they were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a 10-week hospital-based angina management program (n = 75; men = 56; age = 60 ± 8 years), routine care (n = 74; men = 52; age = 61 ± 7 years), and exercise therapy (n = 77; men = 60; age = 60 ± 7 years). All the patients were assessed with CLASP on two occasions: at baseline and at 10 weeks. The Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Sleep Problems Questionnaire (SPQ) also were administered at the same time. RESULTS: Significant positive correlations between the actual number of angina episodes and the CLASP angina subscale scores (r = .60, P < .001) were observed. The CLASP subscale scores for shortness of breath (r = -.36; P < .001) and ankle swelling (r = -.24; P < .001) were significantly correlated with the total treadmill time. The CLASP tiredness subscale score showed a significant positive correlation with the SPQ score (r = .48; P < .001). The CLASP subscale scores were significantly correlated with their corresponding SIP subscale scores: the tiredness score with the sleep and rest score (r = .49; P < .001), the social and leisure score with the recreation and pastimes score (r = .41; P < .001), the home score with the home management score (r =-.45; P < .001), and the mobility score with the mobility (r = .37; P < .001) and total treadmill time scores (r = -.49; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings show CLASP to be a reliable, valid, sensitive measure of health-related quality of life in patients with chronic stable angina. Before it can be recommended for all patients with heart disorders, similar data will be required from other diagnostic groups such as patients with heart failure or those who have sustained an acute myocardial infarction.