Abstract 282: Long Term Exercise And Women With Heart Disease

Abstract

A sedentary lifestyle has long been recognized as a risk factor for heart disease. Although little data exists on the relationship of exercise based on gender in the risk factor analysis, most guidelines support the importance of exercise in the prevention and treatment of heart disease. Bach (2020) published the American Heart Association scientific statement of long-term exercise and cardiovascular events that provides guidance for clinicians recommending exercise. A recent survey of 395 women living with varying types of heart disease revealed that although many had been referred to cardiac rehabilitation, many did not exercise on a routine basis. Interestingly, the barriers to attending cardiac rehab were relatively sparse. Eleven (3%) women who met criteria identified that their insurance wouldn’t cover cardiac rehab. Travel was a barrier for nine(3 %) patients, 21 (6%) patients identified distance as a barrier and eight(2%) couldn’t get off work to attend. The worrisome component is that now, only 27.86% of the participants exercise on a routine basis. This has implications for morbidity in the future as Mediano, Leifer, Cooper, et al (2018) identify in the evaluation of baseline physical activity and outcomes in heart failure. In this population, living in both suburban and rural areas are not conducive to exercise. Although the number of urban participants who exercise is higher than the other geographic areas, the percentage is still unsatisfactory. The next steps for clinicians: •Develop a realistic evidence-based exercise prescription OR •Develop an interdisciplinary team of exercise physiologists, nurses, respiratory therapists and physical therapists who can identify specific exercise plans that meet the needs and resources of the female patient with heart disease. •Participate with communities to develop a mindset for exercise. •Participate in developing infrastructure for exercise facilities, trails, and other resources needing development, especially in rural areas.