The Role of Preoperative Nutritional Status in Predicting Outcomes of Cardiac Surgery

Background: Although not well studied, preoperative dietary state has a major effect on postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery. This research assesses the relationship between dietary status and recovery and surgical complications. Methods: 136 patients receiving elective heart surgery participated in this observational cohort research, which was carried out at the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar from August 2023 to July 2024. Body Mass Index (BMI), serum albumin levels, and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) were used to evaluate nutritional status. Using chi-square testing and logistic regression, postoperative outcomes, such as morbidity, mortality, duration of hospital stay, and recovery time, were examined. Results: 45.6% of the 136 patients met the criteria for malnutrition. High BMI and low blood albumin levels were also common. 35.3% of patients had postoperative problems, while 4.4% and 5.1% of patients died within 30 days and in the hospital, respectively. In comparison to well-nourished individuals, malnourished patients had significantly longer hospital stays (10.3 days vs. 7.2 days) and recovery durations (45.6 days vs. 32.1 days). Significant correlations were found in the statistical studies between low nutritional status and higher rates of morbidity (p < 0.05), death (p < 0.01), and extended recovery periods (p < 0.01). Conclusions: In cardiac surgery, poor preoperative nutritional condition is associated with lower postoperative results. To enhance patient outcomes and rehabilitation, focused treatments and routine nutritional evaluations are crucial.