The elderly: health status benefits and recovery of function one year after coronary artery bypass surgery

Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the health status (symptoms, function, and quality of life) changes of elderly patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and compare these to younger patients. Background Despite increasing use of CABG in the elderly, few data exist about elderly patientsʹ health status benefits from CABG. Methods A total of 690 consecutive patients (n = 156, >75 years of age; n = 534, ≤75 years of age) from a single center were administered the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) at baseline and at one year. The first 224 patients were also given monthly questionnaires for six months after CABG. Results Although peri-operative mortality was similar (2.6% vs. 2.2%, p = NS), one-year mortality was greater in older patients (11.5% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.008). Among survivors, similar health status benefits were observed one year after surgery (SAQ change scores for Physical Function 21.5 ± 27.0 vs. 19.7 ± 27.0, p = 0.67; Angina Frequency 30.1 ± 25.7 vs. 24.6 ± 25.6, p = 0.07; and Quality of Life 37.7 ± 21.8 vs. 33.6 ± 25.2, p = 0.16). In 224 patients assessed monthly, elderly patientsʹ physical function scores were significantly lower than the younger group until one year. The age-time interaction term was significant (p = 0.003), confirming a slower recovery of physical function. In contrast, angina relief and quality of life improvement did not differ by age. Conclusions Despite a slower rate of physical recovery, older patients derived similar health status benefits from CABG compared with younger patients. These data should assist physicians in counseling elderly patients and suggest that age alone should not be a deterrent for recommending bypass surgery.