Health outcomes of an ambulatory exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program across patient risk categories

Abstract

Abstract Background Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is recommended after an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to improve prognosis, quality of life and control of cardiovascular risk factors. Ambulatory training has been proposed as an alternative if in-hospital training is unavailable. Purpose To study the health outcomes of an ambulatory exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (aCRP) in STEMI patients across different patient risk profiles. Methods A Phase 2 aCRP aimed to STEMI patients was implemented in our hospital in 2022. Conventional or cardiopulmonary exercise testing (C/CPET) was performed, patient risk was stratified as low risk or intermediate/high risk, and a 3-month, individualized aerobic and strength ambulatory training program was provided. C/CPET was repeated at the end of Phase 2 and peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2) was measured. Questionnaires were used to analyse quality of life (SF-36), depression (PHQ-2), anxiety (GAD-2), adherence to Mediterranean diet (PREDIMED) and weekly physical activity (IPAQ). Comparisons were performed between patients at low risk and patients at intermediate/high risk. A p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The cohort comprised 41 patients who completed Phase 2 of aCRP (mean age 60.1±10.2 years, 82.9% male and 53.7% smokers) and were stratified as low risk (n=15, 36.6%) or intermediate/high risk (n=26, 63.4%). Reductions in systolic blood pressure (-7.9±15.7mmHg), LDL cholesterol (-59.5±35mg/dL), weight (-3±6.5kg) and body mass index (BMI, -1±2.2) were attained (all p<0.05). Smoking abstinence was accomplished in 90.9% of smokers and most patients achieved an LDL<55mg/dL target (75.6%). Quality of life improved (+8.4±23.7 points in SF-36, p=0.03) and anxiety symptoms diminished (-0.6±1.8 points in GAD2, p=0.04). A median 4.1±4.7ml/kg/min peak VO2 increase was achieved (+17.9% from baseline, p<0.001) and patients increased their reported weekly physical activity in 2681.1±3385.3 METS/week (+156.2% from baseline, p<0.001). No significant differences were noted between low risk and intermediate/high risk patients, except lower LDL<55mg/dL (65.4% vs. 93.3%, p=0.045) and higher weight loss and BMI reduction (-4.2±7.7 vs. -0.8±3kg, p=0.05 and -0.16±1.1 vs. -1.54±2.5, p=0.02, respectively) in intermediate/high risk patients. No readmissions for cardiovascular causes or complications of ambulatory training were registered. Conclusions In STEMI patients, a Phase 2 ambulatory Cardiac Rehabilitation Program can provide excellent control of cardiovascular risk factors, improve quality of life, and significantly increase functional capacity and reported weekly physical activity. Results are comparable in patients at low risk and intermediate/high risk of cardiac rehabilitation, which could support the inclusion of intermediate/high risk patients in ambulatory exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programs if in-hospital supervised training is unavailable.Health outcomes of aCRP.