Clinical and socio-demographic predictors of postoperative vital exhaustion in patients after cardiac surgery

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.