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

Abstract 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.