0 - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Biopsychosocial Effects Among Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Patients
from CABO surgery experience angina and perceive this as a heart attack. Patients then
rush to local emergency rooms in fear of a potential heart attack. The anticipation of pain
and potential cardiac problems 'will result in reduced activity levels. This mind-body
relationship often leads to social isolation and depression.
As a result, many CABG patients, experience depression, stress, and difficulty in
transitioning back to their daily lives because ofthe many adaptations they must make.
Factors like \vork status, economic status, culture, and gender can influence recovelY and
quality of life post-CABO surgery (Welke et aI., 2003). Overall social functioning is
inhibited as a result of pain from CABG surgery. Patients have CABG surgery hoping to
improve their quality of functioning.
Mittag et aI., (2001), report that patients develop perceptions ofhaving disabilities
\vhen they experience chronic pain; this is in contrast to their physician's medical
observations. Results indicate that patients rated their health and overall quality of life
(social activity. daily living skills, and satisfaction with health) based on their levels of
pain. Patients who report less pain on the MPQ are 33% more likely to resume their
occupations. Furthennore, patients who experience pain and lower quality of life scores
also manifested depressive symptoms because oftheir reduced physical activity, social
ability. and perceptions of overall health (Rumsfeld, et aI., :20(1).
The Relationship qfDemographic Characteristics and Perceived Pain within CABG
Pain can be experienced differently by a diverse group of patients. Research by
Berlitz, Wiklund, & Sjoland (2001) finds that women under age 60 report post-CABG
surgery pain 55% less than men their age. Women over 70 yem's of age also fepOli less
pain. However, resem'ch studies (e.g .. Vaccarino, et ai., 2003), demonstrate tl1at women's
social roles in the home. work, society, their self-expectations and their duties are
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