OBJECTIVES: To investigate the baseline quality of life of Hong Kong cardiac patients who had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and the baseline characteristics of these patients. METHODS: Eligible cardiac patients at the Prince of Wales Hospital during March to September 2009 were recruited into study while they were hospitalized for PCI.  The generic short form 36 health survey (SF 36) and MacNew Heart Disease HRQL questionnaire were used to assess the patient’s baseline quality of life.  Patients’ social and clinical characteristics were also recorded. RESULTS: One hundred patients were recruited (male: 81%; mean age: 62.06 +/- 10.14).  The highest incidence of PCI occurred in the age group of 50-59s (30%).  Smoking patients reported with lower mean scores indicating a poorer quality of life.  The mean scores of the 8 health domains of SF 36 were physical functioning (PF) 72.70, role physical (RP) 53.25, bodily pain (BP) 61.55, general health (GH) 49.83, vitality (VT) 47.85, social functioning (SF) 71.89, role emotional (RE) 72.67 and mental health (MH) 68.06.  The mean physical component score (PCS) and mean mental component score (MCS) were 36.94 and 47.88 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Risk Factors including the male gender and advanced age contributed significantly to coronary heart disease.  The presence of co-morbidities, cigarette smoking, and long-standing CHD requiring elective PCI also contributed towards a poorer quality of life.