To compare indices of quality of life of patients after aortocoronary bypass surgery depending on level of alexithymia.

We have examined 101 patients with verified diagnosis of IHD (44 – 65 years), exposed to aortocoronary bypass surgery (ABS). Level of alexithymia was identified according to TAS-26 scale. Indices of quality of life (QL) before and a year after surgical intervention were assessed according to general questionnaire of QL SF-36.

Comparative analysis of two groups of patients with IHD exposed to ABS with alexithymia (n=45; level of alexithymia according to scale TAS - 80,24±0,88) and without alexithymia (n=56; level of alexithymia according to scale TAS – 64,13±1,15) has been conducted. Mental status of patients in preoperative period and at the moment of catamnesis has detected as statistically significant differences according to frequency of anxious disorders. Level of anxiety according to Sheehan scale before operation in group with alexithymia has constituted 35,67±2,61 as compared with 28,34±1,99 in group without alexithymia; p=0,025613). At the moment of catamnesis statistically significant differences remained during reduction of indices of anxiety. A year after operation patients with high level of alexithymia had worse indices in association with relevant problems both of physical and mental health according to frequency of depressive and anxious-phobic disorders and number of not working persons (remaining disability).

We have revealed statistically significant role of alexithymia in prognosis of dynamic of psychoemotional and somatic status of IHD patients determining quality of life after aortocoronary bypass surgery.