LONG-TERM RESULTS OF CORONARY-ARTERY BYPASS-GRAFTING

The treatment of ischemic heart disease by coronary artery bypass graf ting remains under intense scrutiny. A better understanding of the lon g-term outcome for particular patient subgroups will allow a more appr opriate choice to be made among the options of coronary artery bypass grafting, angioplasty, or continued medical management. Such informati on would also permit patients to make informed choices when their pref erences influence the decision. A clearer understanding of the importa nce of risk-factor management (in particular lipid reduction by drug t reatment) will improve the long-term results for patients undergoing s urgical treatment (probably in both late mortality and late clinical e vents). Such an understanding can also clarify the need for further in tervention.