Health-related quality of life, anxiety and depression before and after coronary artery bypass grafting

Aim of the study was to assess health-related quality of life as well as anxiety and depression in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). A total of 54 patients answered questionnaires assessing quality of life (SF-36, MacNew), anxiety and depression (STAI, HADS-D) before surgery as well as 4 weeks and 3 months afterwards. Significant improvements in health-related quality of life (MacNew) were identified 3 months after surgery. Whereas preoperative anxiety significantly correlated with health-related quality of life (MacNew) three months after surgery, correlations between preoperative depression and postoperative quality of life were only found for singular scales. Regarding clinical practice providing information about the probable course of quality of life and explaining surgery as a kind of input for the benefit of long-term enhancement seems necessary. Furthermore the assessment of preoperative well-being should be integrated in routine care in order to identify and support patients with higher levels of anxiety and/or depression.