[Coronary bypass surgery in the elderly: characteristics and quality of life].

From November 1991 to December 1996, 66 patients aged 70 years or more underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). They were compared with a group of 200 consecutive patients aged less than 70 years of age who underwent CABG during the same period. The elderly patients had a higher incidence of female gender, smaller body structure, left main trunk disease, calcification of ascending aorta and emergency operation. However, there were no significant differences between two groups in hospital mortality, IABP insertion or length of stay in intensive care unit. Quality of life (QOL) of the elderly patients was evaluated for all the 58 survivors by means of Specific Activity Scale Questionnaires. Forty of the 58 patients (69%) had functional capacity of 5 METs or more. All the 43 patients who worked before CABG were able return to work, although some patients reduced their workload. We conclude that CABG in elderly patients can be performed with mortality and morbidity similar to those in younger patients. QOL is generally maintained.