Coronary risk factors 6-12 months after coronary artery bypass grafting. Comparison of surveys in 1986, 1990 and 1994.
OBJECTIVE
To assess coronary risk factors and management 6-12 months after coronary artery bypass grafting.


METHODS
Patient survey by questionnaire after discharge from hospital in 1994 and comparison with similar surveys from 1990 and 1986.


METHODS
One hundred and ninety-four patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting at one hospital campus between 1 March 1993 and 31 August 1993. Replies to questionnaires were received from 175 patients (90%); we had clinical and biochemical data for 166-175 patients (86%-90%).


RESULTS
The proportion with hypercholesterolaemia (serum cholesterol levels > or = 6.5 mmol/L) declined from 60% in 1986 to 9% in 1994. Those with diastolic hypertension (> or = 95 mmHg) declined from 23% to 3%. The proportion of current smokers remained low at 6%. The proportion overweight had increased from 32% in 1986 to 47% in 1994. The proportion taking lipid-regulating drugs increased from 2% in 1986 to 37% in 1994.


CONCLUSIONS
Coronary risk factors after coronary artery bypass grafting appear to be better managed in 1994 than in earlier years, but there may still be a need for improvement in lipid disorders and weight.
University of New South Wales Lipid Research Department, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW.
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Simons
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Simons
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Parfitt
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents; D002784:Cholesterol