Myocardial revascularization in patients <= 45 years old: evaluation of cardial and functional capacity, and return to work

Objective: To investigate whether patients less than or equal to 45 years o ld benefit from myocardial revascularization, measured by New York Heart cl assification, functional status and return to work. Methods: The data of 18 8 consecutive patients 45 years old and younger, and who were undergoing pr imary isolated aortocoronary bypass operation, were studied. Follow-up info rmation was obtained from our follow-up databank. A cross-sectional follow- up was conducted and an additional functional evaluation by the Duke Activi ty Status Index and the work situation. Results: The follow-up, was complet e for 98.2% of patients and showed a survival rate of 99% at 12 and 86.1% a t 120 months. Eight patients died during follow-up. There was a significant improvement of NYHA classification. The Dukes Activity Status Index showed a good correlation with the NYHA class; however, only 47% of the patients returned to work. (C) 1998 The International Society for Cardiovascular Sur gery. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.