Health-related quality of life and subjective neurocognitive function three months after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

PurposeWe compared health-related quality of life (HRQL), including patient-perceived neurocognitive function at preoperative baseline and 3 months after coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery.DesignThe design was prospective and comparative.SettingThe study took place in the cardiovascular units at two large metropolitan Midwestern hospitals.SampleThe study included a consecutive convenience sample of 64 patients who underwent CABG.MethodsPreoperative baseline and mailed survey at 3 months post-CABG included the Short-Form 12 (subjective health-status), State Trait Anxiety Inventory (state anxiety), Center for Epidemiological Studies of Depression (depressive symptoms), and Cantril Ladder of Life Satisfaction (global life satisfaction). Investigator-developed questions assessed satisfaction in life domains, cardiac symptoms, and frequency of symptoms related to neurocognitive function.ResultsSignificant improvements were demonstrated 3 months postoperatively, including the Physical Component Summary, Mental Component Summary, depression, anxiety, satisfaction with social and mental life domains, and patient-perceived neurocognitive function related to memory and concentration.ConclusionsPatients reported improvements in HRQL measures, including two of three subjective neurocognitive measures. Health care providers facilitate preparation for the CABG recovery trajectory by discussing expected post-hospital experience and potential postoperative variations in emotions and neurocognitive function.