Health-related quality of life after coronary revascularisation surgery

This study aimed to describe the health-related quality of life (HRQCL) of South African coronary artery bypass graft recipients. The sample consisted of 31 participants (22 males and 9 females) with an average age of 58 years six months (SD 5 years 9 months). Participants were assessed in their homes an average of 14.25 weeks after surgery (SD = 3.99 weeks). The assessment consisted of a structured interview, a self-report questionnaire, and a psychometric test battery that measured cognitive functioning. Data were analysed by computing descriptive statistics (percentages, means) and multivariate statistics to identify subgroups of the sample. Participants' HRQOL was described along the dimensions of symptoms, functional status and perceptions. Key findings included the following: All participants experienced relief from cardiac chest pain symptoms; subgroups were identified that experienced cognitive impairment and low levels of psychological well-being; the majority of participants (84%) believed that their health was good and 80% felt that the coronary bypass surgery had fulfilled their expectations; and overall, the findings emphasised the individualised nature of reactions to cardiac surgery and the importance of psychological variables in cardiac care.