Home-based Transitional Telerehabilitation in Cardiac Recovery: A Study on the Health-Related Quality of Life and Therapeutic Self-Care in Older Adults Post Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Over the past decade, the efficacy of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery in treating coronary artery disease (CAD) has significantly advanced, particularly in improving symptom relief and survival rates among older adults. Remarkably, CAD stands as the foremost cause of global mortality, contributing to a staggering 16% of all deaths, with a notable surge of more than 2 million additional fatalities recorded in 2019, reaching a total of 8.9 million. This escalating incidence is particularly pronounced in the Middle East and North Africa, where CAD has witnessed a 160% increase, signifying a critical healthcare concern with a mortality rate of 120 per 100,000 individuals.

In the realm of cardiovascular diseases, individuals aged 75 years and above face substantial threats, with CAD posing a significant threat to both morbidity and mortality. Despite the acknowledged benefits of CABG, older adults' post-CABG commonly grapple with a spectrum of musculoskeletal and neurological challenges stemming from the surgical procedure. This encompasses incisional sternotomy pain, respiratory issues, weakness, leg swelling, sleeping difficulties, wound healing complications, poor appetite, dissatisfaction with postoperative supportive care, and difficulties with eating. Psycho-socially, these individuals often experience distress, depression, a sense of loss of control, concerns about surgery success, social dysfunction, and fear of death.

The postoperative period necessitates an in-hospital stay of approximately one week, with depressed functional capacity immediately following CABG, potentially linked to fear of activity and pain exacerbated by movement. This is followed by a convalescence period of 2 to 6 weeks for recovery after discharge and the resumption of daily activities. The healing process for chest and leg wounds typically spans 4 to 6 weeks, with pulmonary function and lung capacity decreasing one week following CABG up to 4-6 months after surgery compared to pre-surgery levels.