Evaluation of the Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Valvular Heart Surgery

Mustafa Mert Özgür, Fatih Yiğit, Kudret Atakan Tekin, Fatih Kızılyel, Ahmet Can Topçu, Serpil Taş, Kaan Kırali

Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Kartal Koşuyolu High Specialization Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Türkiye

Keywords: Aortic stenosis; coronary artery disease; predictors; valvular heart disease; valvular operation.

Abstract

Objectives: Many patients undergo open-heart surgery every year due to valvular heart diseases. In a significant number of these patients, coronary angiography is performed to detect potential complications during the perioperative and post-operative treatment periods. In this study, we aimed to investigate the coexistence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients undergoing open-heart surgery for valvular disease and the predictive factors.

Methods: Between May 2023 and January 2025, a total of 424 patients who underwent surgery due to valvular pathology were analyzed among 2,500 open-heart surgery patients. The most common types of valvular disease and the presence of CAD were examined based on coronary angiography and echocardiography results.

Results: The average age of the patients was 62 years (interquartile range: 53–68). Aortic stenosis (36.6%) was found to be the most common valvular pathology associated with CAD. Overall, 29.5% of patients were diagnosed with CAD, and 70.8% of these patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. Factors predicting CAD in patients undergoing surgery for valvular pathology were advanced age, male gender, presence of diabetes, hyperlipidemia, peripheral artery disease, and low glomerular filtration rate.

Conclusion: Despite advancements in technology, surgical and percutaneous approaches, and changes in indication spectrum, the coexistence of valvular heart disease and CAD remains high. Therefore, the presence of CAD should always be investigated in patients undergoing valvular surgery.

Cite This Article: Özgür MM, Yiğit F, Tekin KA, Kızılyel F, Topçu AC, Taş S, Kırali K. Evaluation of the Prevalence and Predictive Factors of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Valvular Heart Surgery. Koşuyolu Heart J 2025;28(2):66–71