Methods: In this retrospective review of existing database including patients with heart disease, 1,390 consecutive cases (393 males, 997 females; mean age 58.7±10.1 years; range 23 to 87 years) who underwent isolated CABG in Shariati Hospital, Tehran Iran between August 2007 and March 2011 were recruited. Male and female sexes were compared for preoperative characteristics. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate possible effects of sex on postoperative mortality and morbidity.

Results: Female patients were older with a higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. The mortality rate was significantly higher in women compared to men (6.9% vs. 2.3%; p<0.001). Female sex was an independent predictor of postoperative mortality, septicemia, prolonged mechanical ventilation, leg infection, and renal complications.

Conclusion: Our study results show that female sex is an independent predictor of postoperative mortality and some of morbidities. Therefore, specific attention should be warranted to female patients undergoing isolated CABG.