Which factor is nonmodifiable in the context of CABG risk factors?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Age
• C. Smoking
• D. Obesity

Answer: (B)

In CABG risk assessment, distinguishing factors you can influence from those you can’t helps guide preoperative planning. Age is nonmodifiable because you cannot change a patient’s age; it reflects cumulative vascular disease and reduced physiological reserve, which naturally raises perioperative and long-term risks as someone gets older.

The other factors are modifiable. Hypertension can be treated and controlled with medications and lifestyle changes to lower cardiovascular strain and perioperative hazards. Smoking cessation reduces pulmonary complications, wound infections, and overall cardiovascular risk. Obesity can be addressed through weight management and nutritional optimization, which can lessen operative difficulty and reduce postoperative complications. Because these are changeable, they are considered modifiable risk factors.

So the factor that cannot be altered is age.