[Long term survival and quality of life after myocardial revascularization with respect to age and sex distribution]

Abstract

Introduction: Quality of life assessment and survival analysis are a "gold standard" in assessing treatment quality in general. In the absence of a universally accepted integral index, we developed our own QOLi-NS (Quality of Life Index--Novi Sad) as a disease specific index. The aim of this study was to investigate long-term survival and quality of life after myicardial revascularization with respect to sex and age.

Material and methods: The study included 563 coronary patients operated on at the University Clinic of Cardiovascular Surgery in Sremska Kamenica, in the period from September 1, 1995 to June 1, 1998. The patients were devided into two groups with respect to sex and age; two age categories were defined: younger and older than 65 years of age. Quality of life was evaluated using Integral Quality of Life Index QOLi-NS. Actuarial life table was used to establish the survival curve.

Results: After myocardial revascularization, all investigated patients demonstrated a considerable improvement in quality of life with statistically significant differences with respect to age and sex. The highest postoperative quality of life (QOLi-NS), and the best survival rate were found in male patients and in patients younger than 65 years.

Conclusion: The gathered data confirmed a significant improvement in quality of life and survival rate after myocardial revascularization in all groups of patients. A statistically significant difference in survival rate was determined with respect to the patients age. Improved quality of life in patients older than 65 years proved that myocardial revascularization is a good therapeutic option for these patients.