Which of the following is a modifiable risk factor related to CABG surgery?

• A. Age 65+
• B. Ethnicity
• C. Smoking
• D. Previous MI

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is identifying a risk factor you can change to improve CABG outcomes. Modifiable risk factors are things you can alter, like smoking, while non-modifiable ones are fixed characteristics such as age, ethnicity, or a history of a heart attack.

Smoking stands out because you can quit to lower perioperative and long-term risks. Stopping smoking before CABG reduces airway complications, improves mucociliary function, enhances oxygen delivery, and lowers the risk of wound infections and graft problems. These benefits come from reduced carboxyhemoglobin and platelet activation, better lung mechanics, and improved overall healing.

The other factors—being 65 or older, ethnicity, and having had a prior myocardial infarction—are not change-able in the short term, so they’re considered non-modifiable risk factors in the context of preparing for CABG.