Physical activity post myocardial revascularization. ''Will surgery improve my mobility?

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) on physical activity (PA) one year postoperative and the influence of the preoperative level of PA on the postoperative PA level. METHODS: In 428 patients, mean age 64.1+/-9.2 (30-84), undergoing an isolated CABG in 2003, pre and one year postoperatively PA was recorded. Preoperatively, 4 patients (0.9%) were in NYHA I, 33 (7.7%) in NYHA II, 334 (78%) in NYHA III and 57 patients (13.4%) in NYHA class IV. PA was recorded following the Honolulu Heart project. For analysis purposes PA levels were classified as sedentary, 41 patients (9.5%) or minimally active, 161 patients (37.6%) were included in a single sedentary group; 202 patients (47.1%). Patients classified as moderately active, 127 patients (29.6%), active, 72 patients (16.8%) and very active, 27 patients (6.3%) were included in a single active group, 226 patients (52.9%). RESULTS: One year postoperatively, 394 patients (92.%) indicated they were angina-free. One hundred seventy-seven patients (41.3%) recorded a better PA-level. One hundred seventy-one patients (40%) recorded the same and 80 patients (18.7%) had a lower PA level. Significantly more patients, 63.9% of the sedentary group versus 21.2% of the active group recorded a higher PA level (P=0.00). Multivariate analysis identified a preoperative active level and vascular disease as risk factors for decreased postoperative PA (P=0.00, odds ratio: 8.1) and a sedentary level as a risk factor for no increase (P=0.00, odds ratio 6.8) CONCLUSIONS: Sedentary patients are likely to show an improvement, however, a sedentary lifestyle is a predictor of no increase in PA. Patients with an active level are unlikely to benefit from surgery.