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

Purpose: We compared health-related quality of life (HRQL), including patient-perceived neurocognitive function at preoperative baseline and 3 months after coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery. Design: The design was prospective and comparative. Setting: The study took place in the cardiovascular units at two large metropolitan Midwestern hospitals. Sample: The study included a consecutive convenience sample of 64 patients who underwent CABG. Methods: Preoperative 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. Results: Significant 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. Conclusions: Patients 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.