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Effect of peripheral vascular disease on long-term mortality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery

R J Pokorski1

  • 1Cologne Life Reinsurance Company, Stamford, CT 06905, USA. pokorski@colognere.com

Insights

Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery face increased mortality risks if they also have cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or lower extremity disease (LED). The presence of both CVD and LED significantly elevates long-term mortality after CABG.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Surgery
  • Vascular Medicine
  • Outcomes Research

Background:

  • Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is a common treatment for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • The impact of co-existing cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and lower extremity disease (LED) on long-term outcomes after CABG is not fully quantified.
  • Atherosclerosis extent significantly influences patient prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between cerebrovascular disease (CVD), lower extremity disease (LED), and long-term mortality in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
  • To quantify the mortality implications of combined atherosclerotic conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from the Northern New England Cardiovascular Disease Study Group.
  • Analyzed mortality ratios in patients with CHD, CHD + CVD, CHD + LED, and CHD + CVD + LED after successful CABG.
  • Calculated relative mortality risks associated with peripheral vascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Patients with CHD only had a baseline mortality ratio of 69%.
  • Mortality ratios increased significantly with co-existing CVD and LED: CHD + CVD (107%), CHD + LED (171%), and CHD + CVD + LED (195%).
  • Relative to CHD only, mortality was 1.6 times higher for CHD + CVD, 2.5 times higher for CHD + LED, and 2.8 times higher for CHD + CVD + LED.

Conclusions:

  • The extent of peripheral vascular disease, including CVD and LED, is a significant predictor of long-term mortality.
  • Even after successful myocardial revascularization via CABG, advanced atherosclerosis in other vascular beds adversely impacts survival.
  • Comprehensive assessment of vascular disease burden is crucial for predicting patient outcomes post-CABG.
Abstract

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