Limitation of physical activity, dyspnea and chest pain prior to and during two years after coronary artery bypass grafting in relation to a history of hypertension.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the limitation of physical activity, the cause of limitation of physical activity and symptoms of dyspnea and chest pain before and 2 years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in relation to a history of hypertension.


METHODS
All patients from western Sweden who underwent CABG between 1988 and 1991 were approached with a questionnaire--prior to, 3 months and 2 years after CABG--evaluating the issues raised above.


RESULTS
Of 2121 patients, 37% had a history of hypertension. By 3 months after CABG, physical activity tolerance had improved markedly and in a similar way for both hypertensive (p<0.001) and non-hypertensive patients (p<0.001); this level was sustained for 2 years. Absence of dyspnea increased markedly and similarly among both hypertensive and non-hypertensive patients (p < 0.001) after CABG. The presence of chest pain decreased markedly and similarly among hypertensive (p<0.001) and non-hypertensive patients (p<0.001), both 3 months and 2 years after compared to prior to the operation.


CONCLUSIONS
There was a marked improvement in terms of physical activity and cardiovascular symptoms 3 months and 2 years after CABG as compared with the situation prior to the operation. A previous history of hypertension did not seem to affect these results.
Herlitz
J
J
Division of Cardiology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Caidahl
K
K
Albertsson
P
P
Karlsson
T
T
Hartford
M
M
Haglid
M
M
Lurje
L
L
Karlson
B W
BW
Sjöland
H
H
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000009:adverse effects; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000150:complications; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors