Quality of Life and Major Adverse Cardiac Events 1 Year After CABG: Comparison Between Elderly and Younger Patients

Introduction Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cause of death worldwide, and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the standard treatment for severe cases. However, the influence of age on the risk of cardiac events and the recovery of quality of life after surgery remains unclear, particularly when patients before and after a key age threshold are compared. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of 231 patients who underwent isolated CABG at an academic center in Tehran, Iran. Of these, 203 survivors (61 aged ≤ 55 years and 142 aged > 55 years) completed a 1‐year follow‐up. We assessed major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), all‐cause mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure, and repeat revascularization and evaluated health‐related quality of life via the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36). Results At 1 year, the overall mortality rate was approximately 7% ( n = 16), with younger patients having a lower rate (1.59%) than older adults did (8.93%). No significant differences were found in other MACEs ( p values: cardiac‐related readmission = 0.428, myocardial infarction = 0.555, heart failure hospitalization = 1), and the stroke incidence was 0% in both groups. Younger patients had significantly higher physical component scores ( p value = 0.012). After adjustment, older age was associated with lower odds of being in a higher mental component summary quartile (odds ratio = 0.53, p value = 0.048). Conclusion Older age was associated with slower recovery after CABG, both physically and mentally. Personalized rehabilitation and close follow‐up may improve outcomes. Age‐specific care strategies are essential for improving recovery and long‐term health.