Preoperative quality of life as a predictive factor of 3-year survival after open heart operations. Annals of Thoracic Surgery

Background. The aim of this prospective study was twofold: to determine the evolution of quality of life in heart surgery patients through the first 3 postoperative years using the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire and to determine whether preoperative quality of life influences 3-year survival. Methods. From January to July 1994, 215 patients underwent elective open heart operation in our department. Patients filled in the Nottingham Health Profile questionnaire five times: preoperatively, postoperatively at month 3, and at each anniversary of their operation for 3 years. The evolution of quality of life scores through time were compared using analysis of covariance with repeated measures. Analysis of 3-year survival prognostic factors was achieved using the Cox proportional hazards model