[Changes in the quality of life after coronary revascularization]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the change of quality of life after coronary revascularization. Out of 189 longterm survivors who underwent coronary revascularization between January 1979 and February 1980, 142 patients (134 men, 8 women) aged 36 to 71 agreed to cooperate in this study and to answer our questions. The questionnaire included 38 questions related to anginal pain, capacity for physical activity, employment, and psychological state. The change in the quality of life was assessed from the sum of changes in the variables. There was a significant improvement of angina in 82.4%, 81% were free of symptoms or in NYHA class I. 69.2% of those questioned claimed increased capacity for physical activity, and depression improved in 55.3%. The subjective improvement did not completely correlate with return to work, only 50.4% were working again after the operation. There was a significant relationship between reemployment and the period of unemployment before operation, as well as with the kind of employment. Quality of life was improved in 80.3% of the patients, unchanged in 10.5%, and poorer in 9.2%. From this study it may be concluded that coronary revascularization can improve the subjective feeling of well-being as well as physical symptoms.