Quality of Life during Rehabilitation after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

• Published in: Quality of life research 1992-06, Vol.1 (3), p.167-175
• Main Authors: E. Engblom, H. Hämäläinen, Lind, J., C.-E. Mattlar, S. Ollila, V. Kallio, M. Inberg, L.-R. Knuts
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arteries; Coronary artery bypass; Coronary Artery Bypass - adverse effects; Coronary Artery Bypass - psychology; Coronary Artery Bypass - rehabilitation; Coronary artery disease; Depressive Disorder - epidemiology; Depressive Disorder - etiology; Exercise; Heart diseases; Hospital admissions; Human sexual behavior; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation - methods; Rehabilitation - standards; Surgical specialties; Symptoms
• ISSN: 0962-9343; 1573-2649
• DOI: 10.1007/BF00635616

The effect of a three-phase comprehensive rehabilitation programme on the quality of life during the first postoperative year after coronary artery bypass surgery was studied in 205 male patients randomly allocated into a rehabilitation (R) and a hospital-based treatment (H) group. The rehabilitation programme included physical exercise, relaxation training, psychological group sessions, dietary advice and discussions about postoperative treatment of coronary disease. There was no difference between R and H groups in the frequency of postoperative complaints, number of hospital admissions and satisfaction of sexual life. An almost significantly greater number of subjects in R group than in H group perceived their health as good 12 months after surgery. The Beck Depression Index score decreased significantly in R group but not in H group during follow-up. A greater increase in hobby activities was observed in R group than in H group. More subjects in R group than in H group considered rehabilitation important for recovery, whereas more patients in H group considered support by the spouse and family, the subjective mental strength and a secure income as important.