Cardiac Rehabilitation Patients Research Articles

The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on atrial fibrillation recurrence after pulmonary vein isolation: results of a retrospective study

Abstract Background Although pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is an extensively utilized atrial fibrillation (AF) treatment, many patients still experience AF recurrences. Multimorbidity care, including physical activity, may reduce recurrences. In Belgium, patients undergoing an ablation are entitled to a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program after PVI, but not all do participate. More evidence that such (standardized) CR programs for AF patients after ablation can positively impact rhythm control is desirable. Purpose This study retrospectively investigated the impact of CR on AF recurrence after PVI. Methods We analysed an extensive database of a large Belgian tertiary care center with patients who underwent a primary PVI between 2007 and 2020 and who had a follow-up of at least 1 year. General cardiology follow-up included a 24h Holter monitoring 3 and 12 months after PVI. Patients were retrospectively divided into an intervention and control group based on their choice to participate in a standardized CR program. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the time-to-recurrence and event-free survival curves after the primary ablation. Differences between curves were tested with the log-rank test. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze continuous variables and the Chi-square test for categorical variables. Results In total, 1767 patients were included, of which 589 participated to CR and 1178 served as controls (median 64 (56-70) y, 68.9% male, median BMI 27.5 (24.7-30.7) kg/m2). There was no significant difference between CR and controls in median age (64y vs. 63y respectively; p=0.203), the proportion of male (57.9% vs. 47.0% respectively; p=0.111) and the proportion of paroxysmal AF (66.4% vs. 70.6% respectively; p=0.210). The proportion with recurrent AF at the end of study follow-up (with a three-month initial blanking period) in the CR and control group was similar (32.6% vs. 35.1% respectively; p=0.288), and also survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference (p=0.827; Figure 1). We noted a cross-over of the recurrence curves after about 1500 days, but the rate of AF recurrence was not different among CR and controls within the first year post-ablation (p=0.136) nor when analysed from day 365 until the end of the study (p=0.341) (Figure 2). There was no significant difference in AF recurrences between CR and controls for either paroxysmal AF (p= 0.551) or persistent AF (p=0.181) based on the survival analysis. Conclusions This retrospective analysis could not demonstrate reduced AF recurrence in post-PVI patients following a structured CR program. The unexpected crossover of curves could point to earlier AF detection in CR patients, while there might be long-term benefit of physical activity. Multivariable analysis will have to evaluate whether impact of CR is related to certain clinical patient characteristics, which might also have contributed to inclusion bias.Figure 1Figure 2

Efficacy and Safety of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Left Ventricular Thrombosis after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

Efficacy and Safety of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Left Ventricular Thrombosis after Acute Myocardial Infarction.

IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA AFTER CARDIAC SURGERY: IS THERE AN ADDED VALUE OF THERAPY WITH SUCROSOMIAL IRON ON TOP ON FERRIC CARBOXYMALTOSE? PRELIMINARY DATA

Abstract Background IDA after CS increases mortality, serious adverse events and length of stay; it also has a negative impact on the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program. The FCM is the gold standard for IDA patients (P). However short–term treatment of IDA after CS using FMC or SI showed a significant similar improvement of key hematological parameters (HP) and in functional capacity . The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the use of both therapies had an additional positive effect. Methods 26 consecutive IDA P, (normal ventricular function, mean age 71,5 ± 8y), after the admission in in in–patient Cardiac Rehabilitation were all treated with FCM (group A) and a part (group B, n 13) also with SI. The study design included a single dose of 1000 mg of FCM at T1 (at 8–10 days from CS) and after a dose of 60 mg of SI per day from T1 to T2 (the day of discharge 10 days after) until T3, 15 days after. Measures of efficacy included changes from baseline in HP and natriuretic peptides (NP). Results The data are shown in the Table. The statistical analysis was conducted with the Mann Whitney test (non–parametric). At baseline there were no differences in Vit B12, folate and reticulocytes. No P had a deficiency of Vit.B12 or of reticulocytes; 57% had a folate deficiency (higher prevalence in the group B, 4.0 ±2.1 vs. 9.5±11.7 ns). Hb and other HP increased significantly, with no differences between the two groups. The increase in Transferrin Saturation (Tsat) was greater (but ns) in group B with lower baseline level. The ferritin (F) level was much higher in group A; the delta is also significant. Iin group B the F remains stable, while in grupo A it doubles (+94%). No significant differences were observed in others parameters. The NP level was lower at T3 in group B; the data does not appear to be clinically relevant, for the different baseline values (the delta was not significant). Conclusions It is mandatory to look for folate deficiency, for optimal management of IDA after CS. The SI can mitigate the high levels of F, consequence of the inflammatory state following CS. Furthermore, it is known that FCM can induce a further increase in F may be due to a low–grade pro–inflammatory effect correlated to the high level of iron deposition in macrophages . Also relevant is the positive impact on TSAT with the possibility of reaching the guidelines–level more quickly. The increase in the number of cases will allow us to achieve more certain results.

The role of cardiac rehabilitation in patients following acute coronary syndrome

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are well established. Although there are limited centres with cardiac rehabilitation and patients, especially from peripheral hospitals, wait a long time to enter the programme and many of them don’t even enter these programmes. Purpose Characterize the patient population that go to cardiac rehabilitation and evaluate short- and long-term outcomes. Methods Multicenter retrospective study, patients with the diagnosis of ACS and data collected from 1/01/2015 to 31/12/2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups (G). G1 – Patients with cardiac rehabilitation programmed and/or planned; G2 – Patients not referenced for cardiac rehabilitation. We further analyse patients according to MACE events, group A without MACE; group B with MACE. Results 11992 patients were enrolled, only 3162 (26.4%) patients were referenced for cardiac rehabilitation. G1 was younger 63.5 ± 12.4 (p<0.001), had more males 76.7% (p<0.001) and more smokers 38.0% vs 25.3% (p<0.001), but less patients with arterial hypertension (AH) 65.1% vs 70.9% (p<0.001), diabetes mellitus (DM) 29.5% vs 32.8% (p<0.001), dyslipidemia 57.0% vs 61.2% (p<0.001), previous heart failure 4.8% vs 7.9% (p<0.001) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) 3.8% vs 7.3% (p<0.001). G1 had although more patients with symptoms of angina 29.2% vs 23.3% (p<0.001) and previous MI 20.5% vs 17.6% (p<0.001). Regarding MACE events G1 had better outcomes 1.3% vs 6.1% (p<0.001). Considering MACE events, group B was older 74±12 years (p<0.001), male gender was predominant (62.5%) and had more patients with AH 76.9% vs 68.8% (p<0.001), DM 45.1% vs 31.1% (p<0.001), CKD 14.6% vs 5.6% (p<0.001) and pacemaker (PM) or ICD devices 3.8% vs 1.7% (p<0.001). Independent predictors of MACE achieved through logistic regression analysis are gender p<0.001, OR 0.325, CI (95%) 0.158-0.672; CKD p= 0.042, OR 4.027, CI 1.019-15.911; time from symptoms to 1st contact ≥ 120min p=0.032, OR 2.088, CI 1.067-4.087; usage of inotropic medications p<0.001, OR 6.383, CI 2.995-13.602; left ventricular ejection fraction <30% vs ≥30% p=0.002, OR 4.172, CI 1.722-10.108; need of invasive mechanical ventilation p<0.001, OR 6.593, CI 2.812-15.457 and need of temporary PM p<0.001, OR 12.372, CI 4.025-38.031. Conclusion In these study population, patients with less cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and comorbidities were more often assigned to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Not unpredictable patients with more comorbidities suffered more from MACE events. Survival analysis also showed that CV mortality and re-admission at 1 year were higher in patients not assigned for cardiac rehabilitation.

Psychometric validation of the short version of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation scale through a first global assessment.

Tailored education is recommended for cardiac patients, yet little is known about information needs in areas of the world where it is most needed. This study aims to assess (i) the measurement properties of the Information Needs in Cardiac Rehabilitation short version (INCR-S) scale and (ii) patient's information needs globally. In this cross-sectional study, English, simplified Chinese, Portuguese, or Korean versions of the INCR-S were administered to in- or out-patients via Qualtrics (January 2022-November 2023). Members of the International Council of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation community facilitated recruitment. Importance and knowledge sufficiency of 36 items were rated. Links to evidence-based lay education were provided where warranted. A total of 1601 patients from 19 middle- and high-income countries across the world participated. Structural validity was supported upon factor analysis, with five subscales extracted: symptom response/medication, heart diseases/diagnostic tests/treatments, exercise and return-to-life roles/programmes to support, risk factors, and healthy eating/psychosocial management. Cronbach's alpha was 0.97. Construct validity was supported through significantly higher knowledge sufficiency ratings for all items and information importance ratings for all subscales in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrolees vs. non-enrolees (all P < 0.001). All items were rated as very important-particularly regarding cardiac events, nutrition, exercise benefits, medications, symptom response, risk factor control, and CR-but more so in high-income countries in the Americas and Western Pacific. Knowledge sufficiency ranged from 30.0 to 67.4%, varying by region and income class. Ratings were highest for medications and lowest for support groups, resistance training, and alternative medicine. Identification of information needs using the valid and reliable INCR-S can inform educational approaches to optimize patients' health outcomes across the globe.

Enhanced external counterpulsation in cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease: a literature review

Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is a non-invasive, outpatient, pulsatile-assisted circulation technique that has been used in many diseases, such as diabetes, stroke, and coronary heart disease (CHD). EECP can improve blood flow dynamics, vascular endothelial function, atherosclerosis outcomes, and other cardiovascular attributes through synchronous cardiac systolic and diastolic movements, thus playing a therapeutic role. EECP has been widely used in the treatment of refractory angina pectoris and plays a significant role in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients with CHD. As a passive aerobic exercise, it enables new ways for patients with cardiovascular disease who cannot carry out exercise rehabilitation to perform aerobic exercise. EECP will become increasingly important as the incidence of chronic disease increases and the rehabilitation discipline develops. With increasing attention being focused on EECP, the literature has grown rapidly. To help researchers gain a comprehensive understanding of this area, this review focuses on the progress made in applying EECP to CHD cardiac rehabilitation globally, including a brief history of EECP, the working principle of EECP, etc. This review will help researchers grasp the research outline and gaps in the literature regarding EECP and will provide a reference for them in future studies.

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Heart Valve Surgey: A Setting for the Tailored Management of Antithrombotic Therapy.

Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Following Heart Valve Surgey: A Setting for the Tailored Management of Antithrombotic Therapy.

Prevalence of elevated lipoprotein(a) in cardiac rehabilitation patients - results from a large-scale multicentre registry in Germany.

Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction and aortic valve stenosis. European guidelines recommend assessing it at least once in a lifetime, particularly in premature atherosclerotic heart disease. A non-interventional registry was conducted at MEDIAN rehabilitation facilities in Germany to assess the frequency of Lp(a) testing in referring acute care hospitals and the prevalence of elevated Lp(a) levels in aortic valve stenosis or premature myocardial infarction. All consecutive patients referred after coronary intervention or aortic valve surgery were included in four cohorts: aortic valve intervention (cohort 1), current/previous myocardial infarction at < 60 years of age (cohorts 2a/2b), and myocardial infarction at ≥ 60 years of age (control). The analysis included 3393 patient records (cohort 1, n = 1063; cohort 2a, n = 1351; cohort 2b, n = 381; control, n = 598). Lp(a) had been determined at the referring hospital in 0.19% (cohort 1), 4.96% (cohort 2a), 2.36% (cohort 2b), and 2.01% (control) of patients. Lp(a) levels were > 50 mg/dL or > 125 nmol/L in 28.79% (cohort 1), 29.90% (cohort 2a), and 36.48% (cohort 2b; p < 0.001) compared to 24.25% (control). Family history of premature cardiovascular disease was reported in 13.45% (cohort 1), 38.56% (cohort 2a), and 32.81% (cohort 2b) compared to 17.89% (control; p < 0.05 for each comparison). Lp(a) had been rarely assessed in acute management of aortic valve stenosis or premature myocardial infarction despite expanding scientific evidence and guideline recommendation. Given the above-average incidence of elevated Lp(a) levels, awareness for Lp(a) has to increase substantially to better identify and manage high-risk patients.

Calculation of Oxygen Uptake during Ambulatory Cardiac Rehabilitation.

Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is not used routinely. The goal of this study was to determine whether accurate estimates of VO2 values can be made at the beginning and at the end of a rehabilitation program. Methods: A total of 91 cardiac rehabilitation patients were included. Each participant had to complete cardiopulmonary exercise testing at the beginning and at the end of a rehabilitation program. Measured VO2 values were compared with estimates based on three different equations. Results: Analyses of the means of the differences in the peak values showed very good agreement between the results obtained with the FRIEND equation or those obtained with a combination of rules of thumb and the results of the measurements. This agreement was confirmed with the ICCs and with the standard errors of the measurements. The ACSM equation performed worse. The same tendency was seen when considering the VO2 values at percentage-derived work rates. Conclusions: The FRIEND equation and the more easily applicable combination of rules of thumb are suitable for estimating the peak VO2 and the VO2 at a percentage-derived work rate in cardiac patients both at the beginning and at the end of a cardiac rehabilitation program.

What are the determinants of change in walking fitness in patients with a history of depression following cardiac rehabilitation?

This study aims to investigate the demographic, clinical and service level factors determining change in walking fitness in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients with a history of depression following the CR programme. National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation (NACR) clinical data were used to identify 1476 patients with a history of depression who had their pre and post incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) recorded between 1st Jan 2016 and 31st Jan 2020. A multiple linear regression was conducted to examine the determinants of change in walking fitness (m) following CR. Mean age was 61 (SD 10.45) and mean ISWT distance at baseline and outcome were 352.06m (SD 169.48) and 463.43m (SD 197.65), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that change in walking distance reduced by 1.6m for each year increase in age at baseline (P < 0.001). Females and unemployed patients had less improvement in walking fitness (23.1m and 21.5m, respectively). Having a body mass index >30 was associated with lower improvement (24.2m, p < 0.001), while physically active patients had 14.6m higher change. Higher baseline ISWT quintiles were associated with less improvement, and increased waiting time to start CR was associated with reduced change in walking fitness following CR. Older age, female gender, unemployment, higher baseline BMI, longer waiting time, and lower physical activity were associated with reduced walking fitness improvement in patients with a history of depression. Targeted intervention and prompt access to CR can optimize outcomes.

The role of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation and heart failure

Abstract: This review investigates the role and effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in individuals diagnosed with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. A comprehensive analysis of existing literature, clinical trials, and observational studies was conducted to assess the outcomes associated with cardiac rehabilitation interventions in this specific patient population. The complex and bidirec-tional relationship between atrial fibrillation and heart failure underscores the importance of a patient-centered approach that integrates medical, lifestyle, and rehabilitative interventions for optimal care and outcomes. Results suggest improved functional capacity, enhanced quality of life, and potential favorable cardiovascular outcomes. The review brings new insights to the existing literature, emphasizing the importance of personalized cardiac rehabilitation strategies in opti-mizing the overall well-being of these patients.

Patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology to support exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation: a qualitative interview study.

Despite the well-known benefits of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, participation in cardiac rehabilitation programmes and adherence to secondary prevention recommendations remain limited. Digital technologies have the potential to address low participation and adherence but attempts at implementing digital health interventions in real-life clinical practice frequently encounter various barriers. Studies about patients' experiences and perspectives regarding the use of digital technology can assist developers, researchers and clinicians in addressing or pre-empting patient-related barriers. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the experiences and perspectives of cardiac rehabilitation patients in Austria with regard to using digital technology for physical activity and exercise. Twenty-five current and former cardiac rehabilitation patients (18 men and 7 women, age range 39 to 83) with various cardiac conditions were recruited from a clinical site in Salzburg, Austria. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis followed a descriptive phenomenological approach, applying the framework analysis method. The sample was diverse, including interviewees who readily used digital devices to support their physical activity, exercise and health monitoring, and interviewees who did not. Simplicity, convenience and accessibility were highlighted as important facilitators for the use of digital technology, while annoyance with digital devices, concerns about becoming dependent on them, or simply a preference to not use digital technology were commonly stated reasons for non-use. Interviewees' views on data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence revealed wide variations in individuals' prior knowledge and experience about these topics, and a need for greater accessibility and transparency of data protection regulation and data sharing arrangements. These findings support the importance that is attributed to user-centred design methodologies in the conceptualisation and design of digital health interventions, and the imperative to develop solutions that are simple, accessible and that can be personalised according to the preferences and capabilities of the individual patient. Regarding data protection, data sharing and artificial intelligence, the findings indicate opportunity for information and education, as well as the need to offer patients transparency and accountability in order to build trust in digital technology and digital health interventions.

Effect of Adding a Program of Contextualized, Personalized, Remote Physical Activity Support to Conventional Cardiac Rehabilitation.

The objective of this investigation was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate whether KiActiv Heart alongside usual care (UC) promotes positive physical activity (PA) change versus UC alone. Patients in cardiac rehabilitation (n = 130) undertook an 8-wk intervention with follow-up at wk 8. Both groups attended UC and wore a PA monitor during the intervention. The intervention group accessed the digital service and received weekly one-to-one remote mentor sessions. The primary outcome was change in PA to achieve the Association of Certified Physiotherapists in Cardiac Rehabilitation (ACPICR) recommendations. The secondary outcome was cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) change, measured using incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). The probability of meeting ACPICR "Daily Activity" recommendation was statistically significantly greater in the intervention group versus control at wk 8 ( P < .05). No statistically significant differences between groups were found for mean ISWT change (intervention 89 ± 116 m; control 44 ± 124 m). Participation in KiActiv Heart alongside UC was associated with statistically significant improvement in probability of meeting ACPICR recommendation and non-statistically significant but potentially clinically important increases in CRF versus UC alone. This builds on existing evidence for effectiveness.

Aerobic physical capacity and health-related quality of life in children with sickle cell disease.

Aerobic fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular health which correlates with health-related quality of life in the general population. The aim is to evaluate the aerobic capacity by cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in children with sickle cell disease in comparison with healthy matched controls. Controlled cross-sectional study. A total of 72 children (24 with sickle cell disease and 48 healthy controls), aged 6-17 years old were enrolled. Children with sickle cell disease had a poor aerobic capacity, with median VO2max Z-score values significantly lower than matched controls (-3.55[-4.68; -2.02] vs. 0.25[-0.22; 0.66], P < 0.01, respectively), and a high proportion of 92% children affected by an impaired aerobic capacity (VO2max Z-score < -1.64). The VO2max decrease was associated with the level of anemia, the existence of a homozygote HbS/S mutation, restrictive lung disease and health-related quality of life. Aerobic capacity is poor in children with sickle cell disease. VO2max decrease is associated with the level of anemia, the existence of a homozygote HbS/S mutation, lung function, and health-related quality of life. These results represent a signal in favor of early initiation of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with sickle cell disease. NCT05995743. Aerobic fitness is a predictor of cardiovascular health which correlates with health-related quality of life in the general population. Aerobic capacity (VO2max) is poor in children with sickle cell disease, despite the absence of any pattern of heart failure. VO2max decrease was associated with the level of anemia, the existence of a homozygote HbS/S mutation, restrictive lung disease, and health-related quality of life. These results are in favor of early initiation of cardiac rehabilitation in children with sickle cell disease.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Increases Plasma Klotho Levels.

Background: Mineral metabolism (MM), mainly fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and klotho, has been linked to cardiovascular (CV) diseases. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been demonstrated to reduce CV events, although its potential relationship with changes in MM is unknown. Methods: We performed a prospective, observational, case-control study, with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients who underwent CR and control patients (matched by age, gender, left ventricular ejection fraction, diabetes, and coronary artery bypass grafting), who did not. The inclusion dates were from August 2013 to November 2017 in CR group and from July 2006 to June 2014 in control group. Clinical, biochemical, and MM biomarkers were collected at discharge and six months later. Our objective was to evaluate differences in the modification pattern of MM in both groups. Results: We included 58 CR patients and 116 controls. The control group showed a higher prevalence of hypertension (50.9% vs. 34.5%), ST-elevated myocardial infarction (59.5% vs. 29.3%), and treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (100% vs. 69%). P2Y12 inhibitors and beta-blockers were more frequently prescribed in the CR group (83.6% vs. 96.6% and 82.8% vs. 94.8%, respectively). After six months, klotho levels increased in CR patients whereas they were reduced in controls (+63 vs. -49 pg/mL; p < 0.001). FGF-23 was unchanged in the CR group and reduced in controls (+0.2 vs. -17.3 RU/dL; p < 0.003). After multivariate analysis, only the change in klotho levels was significantly different between groups (+124 pg/mL favoring CR group; IC 95% [+44 to +205]; p = 0.003). Conclusions: In our study, CR after ACS increases plasma klotho levels without significant changes in other components of MM. Further studies are needed to clarify whether this effect has a causal role in the clinical benefit of CR.

Sex-related similarities and differences in responses to heart failure therapies.

Although sex-related differences in the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical characteristics and outcomes of heart failure are well known, investigations in the past decade have shed light on an often overlooked aspect of heart failure: the influence of sex on treatment response. Sex-related differences in anatomy, physiology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and psychosocial factors might influence the response to pharmacological agents, device therapy and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure. In this Review, we discuss the similarities between men and women in their response to heart failure therapies, as well as the sex-related differences in treatment benefits, dose-response relationships, and tolerability and safety of guideline-directed medical therapy, device therapy and cardiac rehabilitation. We provide insights into the unique challenges faced by men and women with heart failure, highlight potential avenues for tailored therapeutic approaches and call for sex-specific evaluation of treatment efficacy and safety in future research.

Safe and promising outcomes of in-hospital preoperative rehabilitation for coronary artery bypass grafting after an acute coronary syndrome

ObjectiveIn patients with stable hemodynamic status after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) after preoperative investigations can provide outcomes comparable to those of emergency surgery. However, no established guidelines exist regarding the preparation period before surgery. We report the results of the use of an inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program followed by CABG after an ACS to improve post-operative outcomes and prognosis after discharge.MethodsFrom 2005 to 2017, 471 patients underwent either isolated or combined CABG at our institution, and of those, the 393 who received isolated CABG were included in the analysis. Twenty-seven patients (6.9%) were admitted with ACS and underwent preoperative rehabilitation before undergoing CABG, with a subsequent review of surgical morbidity and mortality rates. Propensity score matching yielded a cohort of 26 patients who underwent preoperative rehabilitation (group A) and 26 controls (group B). Preoperative characteristics were similar between groups.ResultsThe completion rate of the rehabilitation program was 96.3%. All programs were conducted with inpatients, with an average length of stay of 23 ± 12 days. All patients completed in-bed exercises, and 85% completed out-of-bed exercises. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 0% in both groups A and B, and the rate of postoperative major adverse cardiac or cerebrovascular events at 12 months did not differ significantly between groups (7.7% vs 3.9%, respectively; p = 1.0). The duration of mechanical ventilation (1.3 ± 0.3 vs 1.5 ± 0.3 days, respectively; p = 0.633), length of intensive care unit stay (4.4 ± 2.1 vs 4.8 ± 2.3 days, respectively; p = 0.584) and length of hospital stay (25 ± 13 vs 22 ± 9 days, respectively; p = 0.378) did not differ significantly between groups.ConclusionsNo complications of preoperative rehabilitation were observed, suggesting that it is an acceptable option for patients who experience ACS and undergo CABG. These results are promising in offering more robust designs of future trials.

A novel referral strategy to enhance the enrollment of patients with heart failure in cardiac rehabilitation: A feasibility study.

Rehabilitation targeting patients with cardiac conditions are evident and acknowledged in clinical guidelines. However, participation rates remain suboptimal, with only 50% of all patients with cardiac conditions participating in these programs across Europe. Considering the well-documented effects of rehabilitation, increasing the referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation would be desirable. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel referral strategy that could potentially enhance enrollment in cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. This prospective feasibility study incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted in an outpatient heart failure clinic and a municipal health care center. 106 patients with heart failure were referred to the heart failure clinic from September 2021 through July 2022. A 15-20 min face-to-face physiotherapy consultation was incorporated into usual care, evaluating patients' habitual and actual level of functioning, disability, and physical activity and assessing their potential need and motivation for cardiac rehabilitation. Three predefined quantitative feasibility outcomes: reach, referral rate, and data completeness were assessed. Additionally, semi-structured interviews explored acceptability among patients and health care professionals at the municipal health care center and the hospital. Finally, the potential effect was assessed based on the enrollment rate. Physiotherapy consultations were offered to 86% of eligible patients; of these, 52% were referred to cardiac rehabilitation. Ninety-one percent data completeness was achieved. The intervention was well-accepted by patients and health care professionals. The enrollment rate reached 79%. The novel referral strategy proved feasible concerning reach and data completeness, although the referral rate suggested that further refinements are required before a full-scale trial. The novel referral strategy was well-accepted, and enrollment rate approached an acceptable level.

Efficiency of Remote Monitoring of Rehabilitation of Patients after Myocardial Infarction

INTRODUCTION. Rehabilitation of cardiac patients is based on a set of measures of a rehabilitation nature (medical, physical, social, psychological and pedagogical). The purpose of this type of activity is aimed at restoring health as much as possible in a particular case, as well as psychological status. Despite widespread urbanization, the share of rural residents still remains significant and amounts to 25.1 %. They face limited access to health care more often than urban populations. This is especially true for the population of remote areas.&#x0D; AIM. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of remote technologies during rehabilitation measures in patients who have suffered an acute myocardial infarction.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 200 patients who had suffered acute myocardial infarction, receiving outpatient rehabilitation at the City Clinic No. 17, living in the city of Tyumen. The patients were divided into two equal groups of 100 people. The average duration of treatment in both groups was 21 days. The rehabilitation program included a therapeutic and physical training complex, which took place in a face-to-face group as part of joint classes, and in a remote group — at home using video instructions, previously sent by email.&#x0D; RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Rehabilitation with the use of remote technologies showed a result comparable to the full-time program. In both groups, there is a statistically significant improvement in the indicators of the Rankin, and rehabilitation routing scales. However, according to the Aronov scale, positive changes are present only in the remote group.&#x0D; CONCLUSION. Based on the results of the study, a conclusion was made about the comparable effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in full-time and remote groups. This suggests that biomedical technologies can be used in the implementation of cardiac rehabilitation programs in areas remote from large settlements.

Does Psychological State Influence the Physiological Response to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Adults?

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of death. Effective secondary prevention is crucial, involving risk factor modification and cardiac rehabilitation. However, mental factors, particularly depression, exert a significant influence on CVD outcomes by increasing cardiovascular risk and impeding treatment adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of psychological state on the effectiveness of rehabilitation in cardiac patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients referred for cardiac rehabilitation participated in a 3-week program, retrospectively categorized into two groups: those with and without depressive symptoms. The functional status of the patients was assessed using the R.A.M.P. protocol exercise test, conducted on a treadmill, during which resting and exercise heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) measurements were taken. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were utilized to evaluate the patients' psychological state. Stepwise regression explored the psychological factors explaining physiological parameter variance. Results: Participants without depressive symptoms exhibited significantly greater improvements in exercise HR (15.58 vs. 1.07; p = 0.02), exercise SBP (7.93 vs. -2.05; p = 0.05), and exercise METs (1.52 vs. 0.50; p = 0.006) compared to those with depressive symptoms. The following predictors were found to be significant: for exercise HR-HADS-D (r2 = 12%; p = 0.04); for exercise DBP-PSS-10 (r2 = 27%; p = 0.002); and for METs-HADS-D and age (r2 = 26%; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation improved psychological and physiological parameters in both groups, with greater effectiveness seen in those without depression. Depressive symptoms predicted exercise HR, SBP, and METs, highlighting their role in worsening cardiac disease. Emphasizing psychological factors, including depression and stress, in cardiac rehabilitation can enhance effectiveness and patient outcomes.