Tranquilizer use before and after coronary bypass operation

High rates of tranquilizer use in coronary disease have been previously reported. In patients being evaluated for coronary disease, tranquilizer use has been related to myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, neurotic traits, employment and the use of cardioactive and other medications. In this study, responses of 1046 male patients to a questionnaire assessing biological, psychological and social variables before and after coronary bypass surgery were related to tranquilizer use. The effect of CABG was to decrease tranquilizer use. Tranquilizer use prior to coronary bypass operations was related to neuroticism, myocardial infarction and taking cardiac and analgesic medication. Similar findings were noted after coronary bypass operations except that angina pectoris was added as a contributor to tranquilizer use. The multivariate analysis tended to confirm the univariate findings, except that neurotic traits did not make an independent contribution. These results indicate that in patients undergoing coronary evaluations, cardiac disease variables other than coronary atherosclerosis determine tranquilizer use. Neurotic traits play a secondary role. Relief of angina pectoris appears to be particularly important in reducing tranquilizer use. The finding of angina pectoris after coronary bypass operation may have special significance for the continuation of tranquilizer use.