Abstract
Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is an established treatment for angina pectoris
which conveys relief of chest pain and improved physical Performance. However, increased
survival has only been observed in selected subgroups of patients with advanced coronary
artery disease, particularly in the presence of depressed left-ventricular ejection
fraction (LVEF). It is therefore of interest to study whether the outcome in terms
of quality of life (QoL) is also more favorable in candidates with depressed LVEF.
All patients who underwent CABG without concomitant valve surgery in western Sweden
between 6.1988 and 6.1991 (n = 2121) were sent questionnaires on QoL involving 3 different
instruments, the Physical Activity Score, the Nottingham Health Profile, and the Psychological
General Well-being Index. They were submitted before surgery and 3 times in the 2
years thereafter. QoL was improved on all postoperative occasions. The degree of improvement
was not associated with preoperative LVEF for any of the instruments. The postoperative
Physical Activity Score was associated with preoperative LVEF. The other instruments
showed no such association with LVEF. The improvement in QoL during 2 years after
CABG is not dependent on the LVEF determined prior to Operation. Self-estimated physical
abilities are postoperatively associated with preoperative LVEF whereas health-related
QoL and generall wellbeing are not.
Key words
Left-ventricular ejection fraction - Coronary artery bypass grafting - Heart failure
- Physical activity - Well-being
