To evaluate the benefits of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, we interviewed and tested 318 patients (268 men and 50 women) younger than age 70 before and six months after elective CABG at four university medical centers. Biomedical, psychoneurological, physical function, role function, occupational, social, family, sexual, emotional, and attitudinal variables were assessed. Quantitative comparisons showed improvement on many factors. Angina was completely relieved for 69% to 85% of persons, depending on whether it had been induced by exertion or other events. Disability days were reduced more than 80%. Seventy-five percent of employed persons had returned to work. Anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep problems declined. Vigor and well-being scores rose significantly. When losses were expected (eg, psychoneurological function, marital adjustment), they generally were not found. For none of the more than 60 outcome variables was widespread serious worsening found. The findings suggest that the great majority of patients are able to resume normal economic and social functioning within six months after CABG.