Changes in Bone Mineral and Body Composition Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Men

This study investigated bone mineral and body composition changes after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in men. Twenty-six men 50 to 79 years of age underwent CABG for multivessel coronary disease. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was performed before surgery and 3 months and 1 year after treatment to assess bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), and body composition. Through 3 months after treatment, BMD decreased at the total body, arms, and pelvis. BMC of the arm decreased and losses at the total body and legs approached significance. Fat-free mass decreased in the arms and total body but not in the legs. Neither total body nor regional fat mass changed. At the 1-year follow-up visit, 15 of the initial 26 subjects returned for dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Compared with before treatment, BMD decreased at the total body and legs, whereas losses at the arms approached significance. Arm BMC decreased over the 1-year post-treatment period. No changes were observed in body composition. In conclusion, CABG and the ensuing convalescence period results in considerable arm bone mineral losses through 1 year after treatment.