Life After the Stent or the Scalpel: Comparative Study of Quality of Life after 1 year following Coronary Revascularization

Background: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are established revascularization procedures for coronary artery disease. While both improve survival and relieve symptoms, their comparative impact on long-term quality of life (QoL), particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India, remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess and compare Quality of life in patients one year after CABG and PCI. Methodology: This cross-sectional comparative study included 100 patients aged 40–65 years, comprising 50 individuals who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and 50 who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), evaluated one year after their respective revascularization procedures. Data were collected using a semi-structured proforma, and quality of life was assessed with the Hindi version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scale. Results: Baseline sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. CABG patients had significantly higher total QoL scores compared to PCI patients (66.59±6.69 vs. 63.34±9.39, p=0.050). Physical health (p=0.012) and environmental (p=0.030) domains were significantly better in the CABG group. Psychological and social domains showed no significant difference. Comorbidities including Diabetes and Hypertension negatively affected QoL in both groups, while education was positively associated with QoL in CABG patients. Conclusion: The study revealed that CABG is associated with better physical, environmental, and overall QoL one year after revascularization compared to PCI. Addressing comorbidities and sociodemographic factors is essential to improve long-term QoL in these patients.