Long-term efficacy of coronary artery bypass surgery

Enhancement of the quality of life concomitant with prolongation of life has become an increasingly important goal in modern health care. Direct correlation of health service investment with qualitative end results of treatment is impeded by lack of scientific measuring methods. The most reliable of the available qualitative parameters are subjective contentment with the results of treatment, subjective well-being, symptoms and capacity to cope with daily living. A series of 100 coronary artery disease patients randomly allocated to surgical or medical treatment was analyzed in these respects. Surgical therapy proved superior.