Formal Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Articles

Accuracy and Validity of Commercial Smart Bands for Heart Rate Measurements During Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test.

ObjectiveTo assess the accuracies and validities of popular smart bands for heart rate (HR) measurement in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients during a graded exercise test (GXT).MethodsSeventy-eight patients were randomly assigned to wear two different smart bands out of three possible choices: Samsung Galaxy Fit 2, Xiaomi Mi Band 5, or Partron PWB-250 on each wrist. A 12-lead exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) and patch-type single-lead ECG were used to assess the comparative HR accuracy of the smart bands. The HR was recorded during the GXT using the modified Bruce protocol.ResultsThe concordance correlation coefficients (rc) were calculated to provide a measure of agreement between each device and the ECG. In all conditions, the Mi Band 5 and Galaxy Fit 2’ correlations were rc>0.90, while the PWB-250 correlation was rc=0.58 at rest. When evaluating the accuracy according to the magnitude of HR, all smart bands performed well (rc>0.90) when the HR was below 100 but accuracy tended to decrease with higher HR values.ConclusionThis study showed that the three smart bands had a high level of accuracy for HR measurements during low-intensity exercise. However, during moderate-intensity and high-intensity exercise, all the three smart bands performed less accurately. Further studies are needed to find a more optimal smart band for HR measurement that can be used for precise HR monitoring during formal cardiac rehabilitation exercise training, including at high and maximal intensity (Clinical Trial Registration No. cris.nih.go.kr/KCT0007036).

C23. CARDIAC REHABILITATION AFTER CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SURGERY

Abstract Background The survival rates of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have dramatically increased due to the contribution of advance in medical and surgical care. Nonetheless, patients often have decreased exercise capacity and health-related issues that affect their quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients after CHD surgery have shown improvement in peak-VO2 and cardio respiratory fitness . Paradoxically, only a minority of CHD patients receives formal cardiac rehabilitation and are often encouraged towards a sedentary lifestyle as a result of overprotection and uncertainty as to which physical activities and with what intensity should be recommended. We therefore present case report about cardiac rehabilitation after CHD surgery based on current evidence to show the importance and benefit in CHD patient Case Illustration A 17 years old female patient came to Rehab clinic after Valve replacement and ASD surgical closure for severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, ASD secundum and Cor triatiatum. Her last stay in hospital was prolonged due to several complications. Her appearance was frail and she even was not able to walk. After a thorough examination and 6 minutes walk test, she went phase II rehabilitation. After Cardiac rehabilitation, she got better and her cardio respiratory fitness was improved. Based on her result in 6 minutes walk test and calculation, She was capable to do daily activity life on her own and ready to continue phase III rehabilitation. Discussion Patient who have underwent cardiac rehabilitation after congenital heart disease surgery have been presented. Systematic Examination should be performed prior cardiac rehabilitation in order to give an individualized exercise prescription.

C23. CARDIAC REHABILITATION AFTER CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE SURGERY

Abstract Background The survival rates of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) have dramatically increased due to the contribution of advance in medical and surgical care. Nonetheless, patients often have decreased exercise capacity and health-related issues that affect their quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients after CHD surgery have shown improvement in peak-VO2 and cardio respiratory fitness . Paradoxically, only a minority of CHD patients receives formal cardiac rehabilitation and are often encouraged towards a sedentary lifestyle as a result of overprotection and uncertainty as to which physical activities and with what intensity should be recommended. We therefore present case report about cardiac rehabilitation after CHD surgery based on current evidence to show the importance and benefit in CHD patient Case Illustration A 17 years old female patient came to Rehab clinic after Valve replacement and ASD surgical closure for severe mitral and tricuspid regurgitation, ASD secundum and Cor triatiatum. Her last stay in hospital was prolonged due to several complications. Her appearance was frail and she even was not able to walk. After a thorough examination and 6 minutes walk test, she went phase II rehabilitation. After Cardiac rehabilitation, she got better and her cardio respiratory fitness was improved. Based on her result in 6 minutes walk test and calculation, She was capable to do daily activity life on her own and ready to continue phase III rehabilitation. Discussion Patient who have underwent cardiac rehabilitation after congenital heart disease surgery have been presented. Systematic Examination should be performed prior cardiac rehabilitation in order to give an individualized exercise prescription.

Exercise training for prevention and treatment of older adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the most rapidly increasing form of HF, occurs primarily in older women, and is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. In the highest age decile (≥90 years old), nearly all patients with HFpEF. As our understanding of the disease has grown in the last few years, we now know that HFpEF is a systemic disorder influenced by aging processes. The involvement of this broad collection of abnormalities in HFpEF, the recognition of the high frequency and impact of noncardiac comorbidities, and systemic, multiorgan involvement, and its nearly exclusive existence in older persons, has led to the recognition of HFpEF as a true geriatric syndrome. Most of the conventional therapeutics used in other cardiac diseases have failed to improve HFpEF patient outcomes significantly. Several recent studies have evaluated exercise training (ET) as a therapeutic management strategy in patients with HFpEF. Although these studies were not designed to address clinical endpoints, such as HF hospitalizations and mortality, they have shown that ET is a safe and effective intervention to improve peak oxygen consumption, physical function, and quality of life in clinically stable HF patients. Recently, a progressive, multidomain physical rehabilitation study among older adults showed that it is feasible in older patients with acute decompensated HF who have high frailty and comorbidities and showed improvement in physical function. However, the lack of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services coverage can be a major barrier to formal cardiac rehabilitation in older HFpEF patients. Unfortunately, insistence upon demonstration of mortality improvement before approving reimbursement overlooks the valuable and demonstrated benefits of physical function and life quality.

Barriers and facilitators to participating in cardiac rehabilitation and physical activity in a remote and rural population: A cross-sectional survey.

Cardiac disease requires ongoing active management which may include attendance at formal cardiac rehabilitation (CR) and increased physical activity (PA). However, uptake rates are sub-optimal. This study aimed to identify factors associated with attendance at CR and PA in a rural Scottish population. A cross-sectional postal survey assessing factors potentially associated with attending CR and participating in PA. Data were also collected from hospital electronic medical records. Binary logistic and ordinal regressions were used to identify barriers and facilitators to participation. The cohort consisted of 840 participants referred to the CR department of a regional Scottish hospital. After applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, 567 patients were sent a questionnaire. The number of returned questionnaires was 295 (52.0%). Responders were predominantly male (75.9%), with a mean age of 68.7 years. At the multivariate level, the only factor associated with CR attendance was a lack of perceived need (odds ratio [OR] 0.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.01-0.06). Analyses of PA associations identified self-efficacy as the only significant facilitator (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.05-1.59), and a lack of willpower as the only barrier (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.18-0.97). Other factors were linked to CR attendance and PA at a univariate level only. This study characterised CR and PA participation, and explored demographic, medical, and psychological factors associated with both activities - with the most important being perceived need, self-efficacy and willpower. These findings may be beneficial in clinical practice by targeting these factors to increase CR attendance and PA levels.

Mobile Technologies to Promote Physical Activity during Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review.

Promoting regular physical activity (PA) and improving exercise capacity are the primary goals of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Mobile technologies (mTechs) like smartphones, smartwatches, and fitness trackers might help patients in reaching these goals. This review aimed to scope current scientific literature on mTechs in CR to assess the impact on patients’ exercise capacity and to identify gaps and future directions for research. PubMed, CENTRAL, and CDSR were systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). These RCTs had to utilize mTechs to objectively monitor and promote PA of patients during or following CR, aim at improvements in exercise capacity, and be published between December 2014 and December 2019. A total of 964 publications were identified, and 13 studies met all inclusion criteria. Home-based CR with mTechs vs. outpatient CR without mTechs and outpatient CR with mTechs vs. outpatient CR without mTechs did not lead to statistically significant differences in exercise capacity. In contrast, outpatient CR followed by home-based CR with mTechs led to significant improvement in exercise capacity as compared to outpatient CR without further formal CR. Supplying patients with mTechs may improve exercise capacity. To ensure that usage of and compliance with mTechs is optimal, a concentrated effort of CR staff has to be achieved. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented lack of patient support while away from institutional CR. Even though mTechs lend themselves as suitable assistants, evidence is lacking that they can fill this gap.

Variation in Cardiac Rehabilitation for Pediatric Ventricular Assist Device Recipients across North America: An ACTION Network Survey

Despite increasing utilization of ventricular assist devices (VAD) in pediatric heart failure, data on exercise testing and training through cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have not been reported to date in this population. We aimed to describe variation in attitudes and practice and understand barriers to CR among pediatric VAD centers in North America. An online survey was performed through the Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network (ACTION) representing pediatric VAD centers across North America. Descriptive statistics were performed. For multiple-choice questions, more than one answer choice was allowed. A multidisciplinary cohort of 52 respondents from 28 North American pediatric VAD centers completed the survey. Although 52% of respondents reported conducting exercise tests on VAD patients, most of those were six minute walk tests (89%) instead of formal stress tests (32% stationary bike and 16% treadmill). In regards to exercise training, while all centers utilize physical therapy early post-implant, only half (53%) refer to a formal CR program. If CR is performed, it is usually done at the ACTION center (84%), a local specialized center (21%), or a mix of the two (5%). A few (5/19, 26%) reported utilizing a home-based CR program. The most commonly reported barriers to exercise testing in pediatric VAD patients were inadequate center resources and expertise, and a perception of low clinical utility. The dominant reported barriers to standardized CR were inadequate staff to supervise sessions (70%), inability of patients/caregivers to travel to the CR facility (55%), and inadequate knowledge of how to implement a CR program (45%). Safety concerns were relatively rare (5%). Over 90% of respondents were interested in implementing a standardized CR program at their center. There is significant variation in attitudes and practice regarding exercise testing and training for pediatric VAD patients among North American centers. Despite perceived barriers, there is broad interest in a standardized CR program. Based on these survey data, we are implementing a CR toolkit across ACTION centers with the aims of harmonizing practice, as well as demonstrating feasibility, safety, and early efficacy.

Smartphone and social media-based cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention in China (SMART-CR/SP): a parallel-group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial

Coronary heart disease is rapidly increasing in developing countries, but access to cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention remains low. In this study, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone-based cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention programme delivered via the social media platform WeChat (SMART-CR/SP). In this parallel-group, single-blind, randomised controlled trial, we recruited patients aged 18 years or older with coronary heart disease who had received percutaneous coronary interventions from a large tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by block randomisation to either a 2-month intensive programme followed by a 4-month step-down phase of SMART-CR/SP or to usual care. In the SMART-CR/SP group, participants received comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention via WeChat. The usual care group received standard outpatient cardiology follow-up but without formal cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. Assessments were done at baseline, 2 months, 6 months, and 12 months. The primary outcome was change in functional capacity from baseline, measured by 6-min walk distance, at 2 months and 6 months. Analysis was by intention to treat. Research personnel involved in assessments were blinded to group allocation. Adverse-event analysis was based on percentage of patients who discontinued the study owing to adverse events. SMART-CR/SP programme-related safety issues were also recorded. This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, number ChiCTR-INR-16009598. Between Nov 17, 2016, and March 18, 2017, 312 patients (mean age 60·5 years [SD 9·2]), of whom 58 (19%) were female and 254 (81%) were male, were recruited and subsequently randomly assigned to SMART-CR/SP (n=156) or usual care (n=156). The improvement in 6-min walk distance at 2 months was significantly greater in the SMART-CR/SP group (from 489·2 m [99·4] at baseline to 539·1 m [68·0]) than in the control group (from 485·0 m [93·5] at baseline to 517·8 m [74.6]), with an adjusted mean difference of 20·64 m (95% CI 7·50-33·77; p=0·034). This improvement was maintained at 6 months (mean 6-min walk distance 543·4 m [67·5] in the SMART-CR/SP group vs 523·5 m [60·2] in the control group), with a mean between-group difference of 22·29 m (8·19-36·38; p=0·027). No adverse events or SMART-CR/SP programme-related safety issues were reported by participants during the study. SMART-CR/SP was found to be a cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention service model with high efficacy and accessibility and to be easy to use. These results justify the implementation of similar models of care on a broader scale. Curtin University.

The development and codesign of the PATHway intervention: a theory-driven eHealth platform for the self-management of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of premature death worldwide. International guidelines recommend routine delivery of all phases of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Uptake of traditional CR remains suboptimal, as attendance at formal hospital-based CR programs is low, with community-based CR rates and individual long-term exercise maintenance even lower. Home-based CR programs have been shown to be equally effective in clinical and health-related quality of life outcomes and yet are not readily available. The aim of the current study was to develop the PATHway intervention (physical activity toward health) for the self-management of CVD. Increasing physical activity in individuals with CVD was the primary behavior. The PATHway intervention was theoretically informed by the behavior change wheel and social cognitive theory. All relevant intervention functions, behavior change techniques, and policy categories were identified and translated into intervention content. Furthermore, a person-centered approach was adopted involving an iterative codesign process and extensive user testing. Education, enablement, modeling, persuasion, training, and social restructuring were selected as appropriate intervention functions. Twenty-two behavior change techniques, linked to the six intervention functions and three policy categories, were identified for inclusion and translated into PATHway intervention content. This paper details the use of the behavior change wheel and social cognitive theory to develop an eHealth intervention for the self-management of CVD. The systematic and transparent development of the PATHway intervention will facilitate the evaluation of intervention effectiveness and future replication.

Negotiating Tensions Between Theory and Design in the Development of Mailings for People Recovering From Acute Coronary Syndrome.

BackgroundTaking all recommended secondary prevention cardiac medications and fully participating in a formal cardiac rehabilitation program significantly reduces mortality and morbidity in the year following a heart attack. However, many people who have had a heart attack stop taking some or all of their recommended medications prematurely and many do not complete a formal cardiac rehabilitation program.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to develop a user-centered, theory-based, scalable intervention of printed educational materials to encourage and support people who have had a heart attack to use recommended secondary prevention cardiac treatments.MethodsPrior to the design process, we conducted theory-based interviews and surveys with patients who had had a heart attack to identify key determinants of secondary prevention behaviors. Our interdisciplinary research team then partnered with a patient advisor and design firm to undertake an iterative, theory-informed, user-centered design process to operationalize techniques to address these determinants. User-centered design requires considering users’ needs, goals, strengths, limitations, context, and intuitive processes; designing prototypes adapted to users accordingly; observing how potential users respond to the prototype; and using those data to refine the design. To accomplish these tasks, we conducted user research to develop personas (archetypes of potential users), developed a preliminary prototype using behavior change theory to map behavior change techniques to identified determinants of medication adherence, and conducted 2 design cycles, testing materials via think-aloud and semistructured interviews with a total of 11 users (10 patients who had experienced a heart attack and 1 caregiver). We recruited participants at a single cardiac clinic using purposive sampling informed by our personas. We recorded sessions with users and extracted key themes from transcripts. We held interdisciplinary team discussions to interpret findings in the context of relevant theory-based evidence and iteratively adapted the intervention accordingly.ResultsThrough our iterative development and testing, we identified 3 key tensions: (1) evidence from theory-based studies versus users’ feelings, (2) informative versus persuasive communication, and (3) logistical constraints for the intervention versus users’ desires or preferences. We addressed these by (1) identifying root causes for users’ feelings and addressing those to better incorporate theory- and evidence-based features, (2) accepting that our intervention was ethically justified in being persuasive, and (3) making changes to the intervention where possible, such as attempting to match imagery in the materials to patients’ self-images.ConclusionsTheory-informed interventions must be operationalized in ways that fit with user needs. Tensions between users’ desires or preferences and health care system goals and constraints must be identified and addressed to the greatest extent possible. A cluster randomized controlled trial of the final intervention is currently underway.

The Effects of Unsupervised Home-based Exercise Upon Functional Capacity After 6 Months of Discharge From Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Retrospective Observational Study.

It remains unclear whether self-regulated exercise is sufficient to maintain the benefits acquired during formal cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This retrospective observational study investigated the effects of a home-based exercise intervention after discharge from CR upon anthropometric and aerobic capacity markers in clinically stable patients. Fifty patients with cardiovascular disease were discharged after 6 months of CR and encouraged to maintain aerobic exercise without supervision. Subsequent to 6 months of follow-up, patients were assigned to compliant (n = 34) or noncompliant (n = 16) groups according to their compliance to the home-based program. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and anthropometric data were assessed before CR, at discharge, and after 6 months of follow-up. No statistical differences between compliant and noncompliant groups were observed at baseline and at discharge from CR. At the end of the follow-up, statistical differences across groups were not found for body mass or body mass index, but increases in VO2peak (+3.6 vs. -0.6 ml/kg·min, P = 0.004) and oxygen pulse (+1.5 vs. +0.2 ml/bpm, P = .03) were greater in compliant than noncompliant group. Self-regulated exercising following CR discharge seems to be effective to maintain gains in exercise capacity acquired during supervised center-based programs.

Significance of Comorbid Psychological Stress and Depression on Outcomes After Cardiac Rehabilitation

BackgroundDepression is associated with increased mortality in stable coronary heart disease. Cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training has been shown to decrease depression, psychological stress, and mortality after a coronary heart disease event. The presence of depression at completion of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training is associated with increased mortality. However, it is unknown if depression with comorbid psychological risk factors such as anxiety or hostility confers an additional mortality disadvantage. We evaluated the mortality effect of anxiety and hostility on depression after cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. Patients and MethodsWe studied 1150 patients with coronary heart disease following major coronary heart disease events who had completed formal cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training. Using Kellner questionnaires, stress levels were measured in 1 of 3 domains: anxiety, hostility, and depression (with an aggregated overall psychological stress score) and divided into 3 groups: nondepressed (n = 1072), depression alone (n = 18), and depression with anxiety or hostility (n = 60). Subjects were analyzed for all-cause mortality over 161 months of follow-up (mean 6.4 years) by National Death Index. ResultsDepression after cardiac rehabilitation was not common (6.8%; mortality 20.8%) but when present, frequently associated with either anxiety or hostility (77% of depressed patients; mortality 22.0%). After adjustment for age, sex, ejection fraction, and baseline peak oxygen consumption, depression alone (hazard ratio [HR] 1.73, P = .04), as well as depression with comorbid psychological stress, was associated with higher mortality (HR 1.98, P = .03). Furthermore, our data showed an increased mortality when both anxiety and hostility were present in addition to depression after cardiac rehabilitation (HR 2.41, P = .04). ConclusionsAfter cardiac rehabilitation, depression, when present, is usually associated with other forms of psychological stress, which confers additional mortality. More measures are needed to address psychological stress after cardiac rehabilitation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation of patients with left ventricular assist device as “destination therapy”

"End stage" heart failure is unresponsive to conventional pharmacological and non pharmacological treatments and has a bad prognosis either regarding survival or quality-of-life; besides cardiac transplantation is limited by organ shortage. Therefore mechanical devices have been developed, initially as "bridge to transplantation" and, more recently, as "destination therapy": definitive treatment for non-transplantable patients. In these patients instrumental evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation are not yet defined and standardized. This paper reports the initial experience realized, as a part of a regional cooperation project within Florence and Siena University Hospitals activities, with the first three male patients, aged 45 to 70 years, affected by end-stage heart failure (NYHA class IV), non-eligible to transplantation, and implanted with Jarvik Flowmaker 2000, an intraventricular axial-flow VAD generating a continuous blood flow. After clinical stabilization, patients underwent a specific evaluation and treatment purposely designed for these subjects during ICU and post-ICU stay and, subsequently, a formal cardiac rehabilitation program. Hemodynamic, bioumoral and functional parameters were recorded at the beginning, during and at the end of intensive rehabilitation program. All patients completed the program, achieving a remarkable and meaningful functional recovery, such to allow them going home, continuing with a self-activity with weekly follow-up in the Rehabilitation Center. The experience acquired by following these patients longitudinally--from the VAD implantation to hospital discharge--allowed us to develop a flow-chart divided in five phases, identifying the main clinical problems, the rehabilitative treatment goals and the useful indicators to define criteria for shift from every phase to the following one.

Education of Physicians and Implementation of a Formal Referral System Can Improve Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral and Participation Rates after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an effective preventive measure that remains underutilised in the United States. The study aimed to determine the CR referral rate (RR) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) at an academic tertiary care centre, identify barriers to referral, and evaluate awareness of CR benefits and indications (CRBI) among cardiologists. Subsequently, it aimed to evaluate if an intervention consisting of physicians' education about CRBI and implementation of a formal CR referral system could improve RR and consequently participation rate (PR). Data were retrospectively collected for all consecutive patients who underwent PCI over 12 months. Referral rate was determined and variables were compared for differences between referred and non-referred patients. A questionnaire was distributed among the physicians in the Division of Cardiology to assess awareness of CRBI and referral practice patterns. After implementation of the intervention, data were collected retrospectively for consecutive patients who underwent PCI in the following six months. Referral rate and changes in PRs were determined. Prior to the intervention, RR was 17.6%. Different barriers were identified, but the questionnaire revealed lack of physicians' awareness of CRBI and inconsistent referral patterns. After the intervention, RR increased to 88.96% (Odds Ratio 37.73, 95% CI 21.34-66.70, p<0.0001) and PR increased by 32.8% to reach 26%. Personal endorsement of CRBI by cardiologists known to patients increased CR program graduation rate by 35%. Cardiologists' awareness of CRBI increases CR RR and their personal endorsement improves PR and compliance. Education of providers and implementation of a formal referral system can improve RR and PR.

Safety of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation and exercise testing for cardiac patients in Japan: a nationwide survey.

The safety of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has not been investigated in Japan, so a nationwide survey was conducted to investigate the incidence of adverse events (AEs) associated with CR and exercise testing. In total, 136 hospitals reported operating recovery-phase CR programs, amounting to 383,096 patient-hours of exercise training. The incidence rates of all AEs and life-threatening AEs (LAE: death, cardiac arrest, acute myocardial infarction, cardiac rupture) during exercise sessions were 12 and 1 event/383,096 patient-hours (3.13 and 0.26 events/100,000patient-hours), respectively. When CR programs were categorized as "Formal" in which an exercise prescription based on exercise testing was issued to individual patients or "Non-formal" without exercise prescription, the incidence of AEs during and within the 24 h after an exercise session was significantly lower in the Formal than the Non-formal CR programs (P<0.001), despite similar hospital size and coronary intervention volumes between the 2 category hospitals. Moreover, LAEs did not occur in 277,721 patient-hours in Formal CR, whereas 2 LAEs occurred in 105,375 patient-hours in Non-formal CR (P<0.05). During 469,215 exercise testing sessions, 3 LAEs (0.64 event/100,000tests) and 31 non-LAEs (6.61 events/100,000tests) occurred. This first nationwide survey in Japan revealed that both exercise-based CR and exercise testing are generally safe, and that Formal CR, in which an individual exercise prescription is determined by exercise testing, is particularly safe.

Illness cognition as a predictor of exercise habits and participation in cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programs after acute coronary syndrome

BackgroundDespite well-established medical recommendations, many cardiac patients do not exercise regularly either independently or through formal cardiac prevention and rehabilitation programs (CPRP). This non-adherence is even more pronounced among minority ethnic groups. Illness cognition (IC), i.e. the way people perceive the situation they encounter, has been recognized as a crucial determinant of health-promoting behavior. Few studies have applied a cognitive perspective to explain the disparity in exercising and CPRP attendance between cardiac patients from different ethnic backgrounds. Based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) and the Common Sense Model (CSM), the objective was to assess the association of IC with exercising and with participation in CPRP among Jewish/majority and Arab/minority patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndrome.MethodsPatients (N = 420) were interviewed during hospitalization (January-2009 until August- 2010) about IC, with 6-month follow-up interviews about exercise habits and participation in CPRP. Determinants that predict active lifestyle and participation in CPRP were assessed using backward stepwise logistic regression.ResultsPerceived susceptibility to heart disease and sense and personal control were independently associated with exercising 6 months after the acute event (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42-0.80 and OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.02-1.17, per unit on a 5-point scale). Perceived benefits of regular exercise and a sense of personal control were independently associated with participation in CPRP (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.12-2.16 and OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.15, per unit on a 5-point scale). None of the IC variables assessed could explain the large differences in health promoting behaviors between the majority and minority ethnic groups.ConclusionsIC should be taken into account in future interventions to promote physical activity and participation in CPRP for both ethnic groups. Yet, because IC failed to explain the gap between Arab and Jewish patients in those behaviors, other explanatory pathways such as psychological state or cultural views should be considered as potential areas for further research.

Current Trends in Reducing Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors From Around the World: Focus on Cardiac Rehabilitation in Brazil

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Brazil. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a program composed of structured exercise training, comprehensive education and counseling to positively impact functional, psychological, social, and quality of life aspects in these patients. However, the delivery of formal CR programs is limited to major metropolitan centers in Brazil and does not exist in much of the national territory, specifically in the North and Northeast regions. Barriers to the inclusion of qualified patients are lack of referral by the health professionals, as well as transportation difficulties, low income, lack of insurance coverage, and low educational level. Government efforts to implement CR programs on a broader scale, to reach a larger portion of the CVD population, are imperative. Additional research must be focused on the assessment of CR referral and adherence patterns as well as the effectiveness of different CR delivery models.

Physical activity and sport in patients with cardiac diseases

Cardiologia CROATICA In the last 15 years, many epidemiological studies have shown an unequivocal and robust relationship of fitness, physical activity, and exercise to reduce overall and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Up to 80% of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus could be prevented by eliminating obesity, unhealthy diets and physical inactivity. Meta-analyses provide strong evidence that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation reduces mortality in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, but the absence of a sufficiently powered, randomized clinical trial prohibits absolute certainty that exercise training alone reduces cardiac mortality in CAD patients. Exercise training is underused as a therapeutic modality but can easily be prescribed for most patients by referral to a cardiac rehabilitation program or by recommending walking to the onset of dyspnea. Despite these benefits, exercise training is rarely prescribed for cardiac patients, as evidenced by the fact that only ≈20% of qualified patients are referred to formal cardiac rehabilitation programs. Referral rates are even lower among women and elderly patients. The reasons for this underutilization are not defined, but probably include health professionals’ underestimation of the benefits of exercise, a lack of training in exercise therapeutics among many healthcare providers, poor financial reimbursement and the absence of reimbursed advocates for exercise therapy. Sexual activity is an important component of patient and partner quality of life for men and women with CVD, including many elderly patients. Sexual activity is the cause of <1% of all acute myocardial infarctions. Men and women with stable CVD who have no or minimal symptoms during routine activities can engage in sexual activity. This includes patients with (1) Canadian Classification System class 1 or 2 angina; (2) New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I or II heart failure; (3) mild to moderate valvular disease; (4) no symptoms after MI; (5) successful coronary revascularization; (6) most types of congenital heart disease (CHD); and (7) ability to achieve 3 to 5 METS during exercise stress testing without angina, ischemic electrocardiographic changes, hypotension, cyanosis, arrhythmia, or excessive dyspnea. Patients with unstable, decompensated, and/or severe symptomatic CVD should defer sexual activity until their condition is stabilized and optimally managed.

Formal Cardiac Rehabilitation and Exercise Training Programs in Heart Failure

In Brief Substantial evidence supports exercise training and formal cardiac rehabilitation in patients with heart failure (HF), with improvements in overall cardiorespiratory fitness and psychological risk factors, including depression. In addition, the intensive education and counseling directed at HF management will lead to marked reductions in cardiovascular events, mortality, and hospitalizations in HF.

Implementing a Community-Based Model of Exercise Training Following Cardiac, Pulmonary, and Heart Failure Rehabilitation

Encouraging patients to continue regular activity beyond the period of formal cardiac, heart failure, or pulmonary rehabilitation is a challenge faced by all program coordinators. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a community model run by fitness instructors as long-term maintenance for patients exiting a disease-specific rehabilitation program. Heartmoves programs were established in close proximity to all major tertiary hospitals in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and all eligible patients were offered supported referral to a program. Referred patients and rehabilitation staff were surveyed regarding perceived barriers to attendance. Referral rates and individual attendance rates for the first 12 weeks were recorded. Over 12 months, 241 patients were referred to a community Heartmoves class, of whom 141 (59%) attended at least once and 76 (32% of referrals, 54% of initial attendees) attended more than 6 of the first 12 weeks. Preattendance surveys identified concerns about quality and safety, as well as social and logistic barriers. The programs proved to be sustainable, as evidenced by the growth of programs from 18 at the end of the project to 31 over a 18-month period. A supported referral pathway to Heartmoves provides a feasible and acceptable model for maintenance exercise following cardiac, heart failure, and pulmonary rehabilitation. Strategies that recognize and address barriers perceived by participants and by rehabilitation program staff should be part of the supported referral process.