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


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
Preoperatively, in hospital outpatient department (1995-1996); postoperatively, at home (1996-97).


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.


METHODS
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 < 0.001; breathlessness, p = 0.02). Patients with low SF-36 scores and low social network scores preoperatively were less likely to be relieved of symptoms (p < 0.001). Health status and social support levels preoperatively were lower than in other reported coronary artery disease patients groups. Preoperatively, coronary artery disease risk factors were higher than recommended in current guidelines: 67.4% had raised plasma cholesterol, 39.0% were hypertensive, 80% were moderately obese, and 22.9% were smokers.


CONCLUSIONS
Recurrence of symptoms exceeded other published studies. Patients' perception of general health, symptoms, and social support influences outcome.
Lindsay
G M
GM
Nursing and Midwifery School, University of Glasgow, 68 Oakfield Avenue, Glasgow G12 8LS, UK. GL1Z@clinmed.gla.ac.uk
Smith
L N
LN
Hanlon
P
P
Wheatley
D J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000453:epidemiology; D001026:Coronary Artery Bypass / Q000401:mortality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome