Quality of life after cardiac surgery the QUACS Study and benefit prediction model
Why the study?
Does cardiac surgery improve quality of life in moderate- and high-risk patients?
Population
2,762 moderate- and high-risk cardiac surgery patients, mean age 72.9 years, 39.6% female.
Design
Cohort
Follow-up
12-24 months
Key result
Moderate- and high-risk cardiac surgery achieved a net quality of life benefit at one year in 74% of symptomatic patients compared to only 18% of asymptomatic patients.
Authors
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Suggests preoperative QoL screening may refine candidacy; leaves open whether avoiding surgery in asymptomatic patients reduces net harm.
Cohort (n=2,762)
Yes
Does cardiac surgery improve quality of life in moderate- and high-risk patients?
A preoperative calculator can identify moderate- and high-risk cardiac surgery patients unlikely to achieve a net quality of life benefit, aiding in shared decision-making.
Absolute Event Rate: 74% vs 18%
Nashef et al. (2026) conducted a cohort in Moderate- and high-risk cardiac surgery (n=2,762). Cardiac surgery was evaluated on Net quality of life (QoL) benefit at one year. Moderate- and high-risk cardiac surgery achieved a net quality of life benefit at one year in 74% of symptomatic patients compared to only 18% of asymptomatic patients.