Bypass Surgery Linked to Mental Decline

The February 8, 2001 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine finds that patients who have heart bypass surgery stand a greater chance of developing mental decline later in life.

Many bypass patients experience a decline in mental function immediately after the surgery that is temporary in nature. However, this study finds that this decline can be a predictor of future problems.

In a five year follow-up study, researchers at the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, NC found that 42% of patients who had bypass surgery had experienced a decline in mental abilities five years after surgery.

Another study on people who have heart disease is currently underway. That study will compare the mental abilities of those patients who have the bypass surgery and those who use alternative forms of treatment. Until then, the jury is still out.