BACKGROUND: Vital exhaustion, a psychological state characterized by extreme fatigue, is an independent predictor of future cardiac events. However, the attributes of vital exhaustion following coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess correlates of vital exhaustion following CABG surgery. METHODS: In a descriptive, exploratory study, 42 patients who had CABG surgery were evaluated for exhaustion 4-8 weeks post-hospital discharge. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from self-report and medical chart review. RESULTS: Of the total sample (mean age 67.9 ± 12.5, 90% male, 70% Caucasian, 3.12 ± 1.3 grafts), approximately 41% reported exhaustion. When compared to their exhausted post-CABG counterpart, non-exhausted post-CABG patients had a significantly higher frequency of preoperative insulin use. Exhausted patients were significantly more likely to have higher left ventricular ejection fraction ([LVEF], OR: 1.07, p = 0.04), and elevated hemoglobin (OR: 2.98, p = 0.03) and eosinophils (OR: 1.02, p = 0.02) than those who were not exhausted. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should evaluate all patients for exhaustion post-CABG surgery; patients with elevated LVEF, hemoglobin, and eosinophil levels warrant increased scrutiny.
BACKGROUND: Vital exhaustion, a psychological state characterized by extreme fatigue, is an independent predictor of future cardiac events. However, the attributes of vital exhaustion following coronary artery bypass (CABG) surgery are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess correlates of vital exhaustion following CABG surgery. METHODS: In a descriptive, exploratory study, 42 patients who had CABG surgery were evaluated for exhaustion 4-8 weeks post-hospital discharge. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from self-report and medical chart review. RESULTS: Of the total sample (mean age 67.9 ± 12.5, 90% male, 70% Caucasian, 3.12 ± 1.3 grafts), approximately 41% reported exhaustion. When compared to their exhausted post-CABG counterpart, non-exhausted post-CABG patients had a significantly higher frequency of preoperative insulin use. Exhausted patients were significantly more likely to have higher left ventricular ejection fraction ([LVEF], OR: 1.07, p = 0.04), and elevated hemoglobin (OR: 2.98, p = 0.03) and eosinophils (OR: 1.02, p = 0.02) than those who were not exhausted. CONCLUSION: Clinicians should evaluate all patients for exhaustion post-CABG surgery; patients with elevated LVEF, hemoglobin, and eosinophil levels warrant increased scrutiny.
Authors: Petra H Wirtz; Roland von Känel; Pia Schnorpfeil; Ulrike Ehlert; Karl Frey; Joachim E Fischer Journal: Psychosom Med Date: 2003 Jul-Aug Impact factor: 4.312
Authors: Linda McGowan; Chris Dickens; Carol Percival; Jane Douglas; Barbara Tomenson; Francis Creed Journal: J Psychosom Res Date: 2004-08 Impact factor: 3.006