Risk factors of depressive and anxiety symptoms 8 years after coronary artery bypass grafting

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the severity and course of self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms 8 years after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: Out of 53 CABG patients, 37 were examined 8 years later (68% men), mean age - 58.2 (SD 9.3) years. They completed the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Out of the remaining 16 patients, seven died and nine did not respond. RESULTS: The response group had the mean BDI scores of 13.3 (SD 8.0) before CABG and 11.5 (SD 9.5) at follow-up (p = 0.38). Over 37.8% remained depressed. Non-depressed patients before CABG remained free from depressive symptoms further on, whereas depressed patients continued suffering, even 8 years after the operation. Before the operation, the mean anxiety state score was 44.3 (SD 12.0). After CABG (3 months and 8 years), the significant reduction of anxiety symptoms was observed (respectively: p = 0.02, p = 0.01). Postoperative complications, lower physical and mental well-being, somatic symptoms and negative life attitude were related to bad prognosis several years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive and anxiety symptoms occurred in many cardiosurgical patients before and after CABG. Good results of the surgical procedure did not cause reduction of depressive symptoms. Anxiety symptoms were much more common perioperatively than depressive ones and decreased significantly after surgery. Preoperative assessment of depressive and anxiety symptoms can indicate the risk group and suggest care proceedings during the rehabilitation period to improve the effectiveness of surgical coronary revascularization.