The influence of general health status and social support on symptomatic outcome following coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVES To assess health status, level of social support, and presence of coronary artery disease risk factors before and after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG); to assess symptomatic relief approximately 12 months postoperatively; and to examine the association between preoperative health status and recurrence of symptoms. DESIGN Observational study. SETTING Preoperatively, in hospital outpatient department (1995–1996); postoperatively, at home (1996–97). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patients awaiting elective CABG were recruited one month before the expected date of operation. Preoperative assessment included severity of symptoms, coronary artery disease risk factors, short form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire, and social activities questionnaire. The presence and severity of angina and breathlessness were reported postoperatively (mean 16.4 months). Multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with improved outcome following CABG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Patient reported presence and severity of angina and breathlessness. RESULTS 183 patients were followed for a mean of 16.4 months after CABG. Angina and breathlessness were completely relieved in 55% and 36% of patients, respectively. In patients with residual symptoms, the severity was significantly reduced (angina p