The quality of life after cardiac surgery
Tanaka, H.; Funami, M.; Takaba, T.
Nihon Kyobu Geka Gakkai 36(10): 2267-2275
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0369-4739 PMID: 3209882 Document Number: 308802
In order to assess the quality of life after cardiac surgery, interviews, hemodynamic studies and treadmill exercise testing were performed in 45 patients (age, 25 to 86) 31 months after cardiac surgery. Interviews were performed for the purpose of getting patient's physical, sexual and social-role functioning. Exercise was carried out by treadmill at work loads of staircase ascending fashion. A good correlation was obtained between cardiac index at rest and .ovrhdot.VO2 Max in patients without arrythmia. However, .ovrhdot.VO2 Max influenced many aspects of th e patient's life rather than CI, so in order to improve the quality of life, rehabilitation after cardiac surgery is needed. Sexual functioning corresponded to mental state (ex. anxiety about disease). The most important factors influencing return to work were the educational levels, type of employment, the number of months of unemployment before and after surgery. Therefore, an earlier operation should be recommended for patients with cardiac diseases, and a rehabilitation effect may be concentrated on patients less likely to return to work so as to obtain a more favorable post operative work status.