Determinants of social activity and work status after coronary bypass surgery

Despite the occurrence of adverse events after coronary artery bypass, the degree of social integration can be increased following this operation. This study addresses the predictive power of risk factors as well as clinical status in determining long-term social functioning and rate of return to work following isolated bypass surgery. A prospective cohort study was conducted in 178 patients who underwent isolated bypass surgery between 2004 and 2007. Information on work status and social relationships was obtained 1-2 days before surgery and during a mean follow-up of 29.4 ± 1.1 months. The proportion of patients who engaged in social activities at 2, 3, and 4 years of follow-up was 0.3, 0.6, and just over 0.8, respectively, and the proportion who had returned to work at these time points was 0.2, 0.45, and 0.63, respectively. Social activity after surgery was less in patients with left ventricular dysfunction, cerebrovascular disease, and higher New York Heart Association functional class. The rate of return to work was lower for men and for patients with left ventricular dysfunction, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, and those who were hospitalized for more than 14 days.