OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Qihong Decoction (QHD) on rehabilitation of patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODSSeventy-two patients after CABG were assigned to two groups by digital table, the 36 in the treatment group were treated with QHD combined with routine treatment, and the 36 in the control group received routine treatment alone. The treatment lasted for two months in all patients and the efficacy was assessed after treatment.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) increased (P < 0.05), 6-min walking test was improved and score of TCM symptoms decreased in both groups, and inter-group comparisons showed no difference in the efficacy on LVEF, but a better efficacy was shown in the treatment group (P < 0.05) on improvement of walking test and decrease of scores. Moreover, by SF-36 scale scoring, significantly higher scores were shown in the treatment group in domains of general health, pain sensation, vitality, role of emotion, mental health, health transition and physiological capacity (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONQHD can improve the TCM symptoms and heart function of patients after CABG, enhance their quality of life and accelerate the rehabilitation process.