Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs: What do they offer?

Long-term Results of a 12-Week Comprehensive Ambulatory Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Blum, Manuel R. MD; Schmid, Jean-Paul MD; Eser, Prisca PhD; Saner, Hugo MD

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcome of a 12-week outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program.

METHODS: In a prospective single-center interventional cohort study, 201 consecutive patients (133 patients after acute coronary syndrome, 32 patients after heart surgery, and 36 patients with heart failure) attending a 12-week comprehensive outpatient CR program were evaluated for exercise capacity, cardiovascular risk factors (CvRFs), and quality of life at entry, end, and 1.4 years after completion of the program (followup).

RESULTS: Physical exercise capacity improved significantly from program entry to program end and remained at this level at followup (P ≤ .006). CvRFs at followup were significantly reduced with regard to smoking prevalence and blood lipids (P < .001). At program end and followup, MacNew heart disease–specific emotional, physical, and social quality of life were improved significantly compared with those at program entry (P < .001). Use of cardioprotective medication remained equally high over the entire study period. However, significantly fewer patients reached blood pressure (<140/90 mm Hg, P = .034) and body mass index (<30 kg/m², P = .017) goals at followup than at program end.

CONCLUSION: The 12-week comprehensive outpatient CR program was successful at reducing important CvRFs long-term.

Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation & Prevention:

March/April 2013 – Volume 33 – Issue 2 – p 84–90

doi: 10.1097/HCR.0b013e3182779b88

Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac Rehabilitation

A comprehensive service provided to individuals with Cardiovascular Disease. 

The primary goal of Cardiac Rehabilitation is to enable the participant to achieve his/her optimal physical, psychological, and social functioning through exercise training and lifestyle change.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation:

• Live longer and lessen your chances for another heart attack
• Control heart disease symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
• Stop or reverse damage to your blood vessels in your heart
• Lessen the physical and emotional effects of heart disease
• Improve your stamina and strength, getting you back to your usual activities, including work, hobbies, and regular exercise
• Improve your confidence and well-being

Click here To find a cardiac rehabilitation program near you