Women in cardiac rehabilitation: outcomes and identifying risk for dropout

World Heart Federation Roadmap for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: 2023 Update

Background

Secondary prevention lifestyle and pharmacological treatment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) reduce a high proportion of recurrent events and mortality. However, significant gaps exist between guideline recommendations and usual clinical practice.

Objectives

Describe the state of the art, the roadblocks, and successful strategies to overcome them in ASCVD secondary prevention management.

Methods

A writing group reviewed guidelines and research papers and received inputs from an international committee composed of cardiovascular prevention and health systems experts about the article's structure, content, and draft. Finally, an external expert group reviewed the paper.

Results

Smoking cessation, physical activity, diet and weight management, antiplatelets, statins, beta-blockers, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors, and cardiac rehabilitation reduce events and mortality. Potential roadblocks may occur at the individual, healthcare provider, and health system levels and include lack of access to healthcare and medicines, clinical inertia, lack of primary care infrastructure or built environments that support preventive cardiovascular health behaviours. Possible solutions include improving health literacy, self-management strategies, national policies to improve lifestyle and access to secondary prevention medication (including fix-dose combination therapy), implementing rehabilitation programs, and incorporating digital health interventions. Digital tools are being examined in a range of settings from enhancing self-management, risk factor control, and cardiac rehab.

Conclusions

Effective strategies for secondary prevention management exist, but there are barriers to their implementation. WHF roadmaps can facilitate the development of a strategic plan to identify and implement local and national level approaches for improving secondary prevention.

How to optimize the adherence to a guideline-directed medical therapy in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a clinical consensus statement from the European Association of Preventive Cardiology

A key factor to successful secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is optimal patient adherence to treatment. However, unsatisfactory rates of adherence to treatment for CVD risk factors and CVD have been observed consistently over the last few decades. Hence, achieving optimal adherence to lifestyle measures and guideline-directed medical therapy in secondary prevention and rehabilitation is a great challenge to many healthcare professionals. Therefore, in this European Association of Preventive Cardiology clinical consensus document, a modern reappraisal of the adherence to optimal treatment is provided, together with simple, practical, and feasible suggestions to achieve this goal in the clinical setting, focusing on evidence-based concepts.

Effectiveness and reporting of nutrition interventions in cardiac rehabilitation programmes: a systematic review

AIMS

Dietary modification is essential for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. However, there are limited published evidence syntheses to guide practice in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) setting. This systematic review's objective was to assess effectiveness and reporting of nutrition interventions to optimize dietary intake in adults attending CR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of nutrition interventions within CR were eligible for inclusion and had to have measured change in dietary intake. MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library were searched from 2000 to June 2020, limited to publications in English. Evidence from included RCTs was synthesized descriptively. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. This review is registered on PROSPERO; CRD42020188723. Of 13 048 unique articles identified, 11 were eligible. Randomized controlled trials were conducted in 10 different countries, included 1542 participants, and evaluated 29 distinct dietary intake outcomes. Five studies reported statistically significant changes in diet across 13 outcomes. Most nutrition interventions were not reported in a manner that allowed replication in clinical practice or future research.

CONCLUSION

There is a gap in research testing high-quality nutrition interventions in CR settings. Findings should be interpreted in the light of limitations, given the overall body of evidence was heterogenous across outcomes and study quality; 6 of 11 studies were conducted more than 10 years old. Future research should investigate strategies to optimize and maintain nutrition improvements for patients attending CR.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO; CRD42020188723.

Depressive symptoms improve over 2 years of type 2 diabetes treatment via a digital continuous remote care intervention focused on carbohydrate restriction

Depressive symptoms are prevalent among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and, even at low severity levels, are associated with worse diabetes outcomes. Carbohydrate restriction is an effective treatment for T2D but its long-term impacts on depressive symptoms are unclear. In the current study we explored changes in depressive symptoms over 2 years among 262 primarily non-depressed T2D patients participating in a continuous remote care intervention emphasizing carbohydrate restriction. Subclinical depressive symptoms decreased over the first 10 weeks and reductions were maintained out to 2 years. Increased frequency of blood ketone levels indicative of adherence to low carbohydrate eating predicted decreases in depressive symptoms. Concerns have been raised with recommending restrictive diets due to potential negative impacts on quality-of-life factors such as mood; however, results of the current study support positive rather than negative long-term impacts of closely monitored carbohydrate restriction on depressive symptoms.

Depression Is Associated With Reduced Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion Rates: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

Depression is associated with recurrent cardiac events and death in patients with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure. Furthermore, depression may be associated with reduced completion of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR), an empirically supported treatment for patients with coronary heart disease and congestive heart failure that reduces recurrent coronary events and cardiac mortality. The goal of the current systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between depression and outpatient CR completion.

METHOD

A systematic literature review cross-referenced 3 electronic databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Dissertation Abstracts International) from inception through February 15, 2015. Studies quantifying an association between depression and outpatient CR completion were identified for review. A random-effects model was used to pool quantitative data, moderators were tested, and publication bias was analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies with 19 independent samples consisting of 30 586 cardiac patients were included in the meta-analysis. A moderate inverse relationship between depression and outpatient CR completion was observed (g = -0.44; 95% CI, -0.59 to -0.29), indicating that depressed CR patients were significantly less likely to complete their prescribed CR programs. No significant moderator variables were identified. A minor amount of publication bias was detected.

CONCLUSION

Depression is associated with reduced outpatient CR completion rates. Future research should focus on attendance interventions for depressed CR patients, as completion of outpatient CR reduces cardiac and all-cause mortality.

Higher Anxiety and Will to Live Are Associated With Poorer Adherence to Cardiac Rehabilitation

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) session attendance and rates of completion remain suboptimal. Greater distress (ie, depression and anxiety) has been associated with both better and poorer adherence. Will to live (ie, desire, determination and effort to survive) has been associated with survival among cardiac patients and thus may be relevant for CR adherence. It was hypothesized that depression and anxiety would be negatively associated with adherence, and that will to live would moderate these relationships.

METHODS

Sixty patients (mean age = 56.9 ± 10.8 yr; 38 males) entering outpatient CR completed self-report measures of will to live (Wish to Prolong Life Questionnaire) and distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Hierarchical regression analyses were performed to predict CR session attendance (%) and program completion (yes/no) from depression and anxiety, as well as the interaction of those variables with will to live.

RESULTS

Neither depression nor anxiety was associated with CR adherence (Ps > .33). However, there was a significant interaction of will to live with anxiety in predicting attendance (β= -0.31, P = .03, Model R = .19, P = .01), reflecting that anxiety predicted lower attendance only among patients reporting greater will to live.

CONCLUSIONS

These data help clarify the complex relationship between distress and CR adherence. Findings suggest that higher anxiety is associated with poorer adherence, but only in combination with greater motivation for living. Patients higher in anxiety and will to live may benefit from additional strategies to make actionable behavioral change in the context of CR.

Low 6-Minute Walk Distance and Muscle Mass Predict Drop out in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Cardiac rehabilitation after percutaneous coronary intervention decreases recurrence and mortality but has a high dropout rate. The aim of this study is to identify dropout predictors by comparing the characteristics of complete and dropout patients in cardiac rehabilitation. The study included 593 patients (455 men and 138 women) who received percutaneous coronary intervention and were enrolled in a 1-year cardiac rehabilitation program consisting of home-based cardiac rehabilitation with three center visits. Dropout was defined as participation in the first center visit but not the second or third center visits. Blood lipids, quality of life, socioeconomic status, and 6-minute walk distance measurements at the first visit were compared between participants who completed and dropped out of cardiac rehabilitation. For both men and women, the dropout rate significantly correlated with a low 6-minute walk distance and low muscle mass ratio. The dropout rate was significantly higher for men, but not women, with low education and low income. However, the dropout rate was decreased for women, but not men, with low blood pressure and triglycerides. An improved understanding of the characteristics of participants and the cardiac rehabilitation dropout rate are expected to contribute to the development of cardiac rehabilitation strategies that decrease patient dropout.

Factors That Predispose Women to Greater Depressive Symptoms: A Sex-, Age-, and Diagnosis-Matched Cardiac Rehabilitation Cohort

BACKGROUND

Depressive symptoms (DS) disproportionately affect women with cardiac disease; however, no analyses have been conducted that would allow for focused sex-specific interventions.

METHODS

Consecutively enrolled women (n = 663) were matched with men postcardiac revascularization at cardiac rehabilitation (CR) entry by primary diagnosis, age, and year of CR entry from database records (2006 to 2017). Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine predictors of DS (≥16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) in all patients and men and women separately.

RESULTS

In bivariate analysis, women were more likely than men to have DS (30.2% vs 19.3%; P < 0.001) in the matched cohort. A greater proportion of women than men had DS in all 10-year age categories (P < 0.05) except youngest (<50 years; 37% vs 30.4%; P = 0.7) and oldest (≥80; 12.3% vs 10.3%; P = 0.8). DS peaked in women aged 50 to 59 (42.5%) and men <50 years (30.4%). In all patients, independent predictors of DS were younger age, lower cardiorespiratory fitness (VO_2peak), being unemployed, greater comorbidities, smoking, anxiolytics, antidepressants, not being married, but not sex. Shared predictors in women-only and men-only analyses were younger age, lower VO_2peak, antidepressants, and being unemployed. Unique predictors for women were obesity, smoking, and delayed CR entry and, for men, hypertension, myocardial infarction, anxiolytics, and not being married.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite matching for age and diagnosis, women were more likely to have DS than men. However, sex was not a predictor of DS in multivariate analyses. This suggests that the profile of women predisposes them to greater DS. Obesity, smoking, and greater delayed CR entry were unique correlates for women and targets for intervention.

A Mobile Health Intervention System for Women With Coronary Heart Disease: Usability Study

Background

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death and disability among American women. The prevalence of CHD is expected to increase by more than 40% by 2035. In 2015, the estimated cost of caring for patients with CHD was US $182 billion in the United States; hospitalizations accounted for more than half of the costs. Compared with men, women with CHD or those who have undergone coronary revascularization have up to 30% more rehospitalizations within 30 days and up to 1 year. Center-based cardiac rehabilitation is the gold standard of care after an acute coronary event, but few women attend these valuable programs. Effective home-based interventions for improving cardiovascular health among women with CHD are vital for addressing this gap in care.

Objective

The ubiquity of mobile phones has made mobile health (mHealth) behavioral interventions a viable option to improve healthy behaviors of both women and men with CHD. First, this study aimed to examine the usability of a prototypic mHealth intervention designed specifically for women with CHD (herein referred to as HerBeat). Second, we examined the influence of HerBeat on selected health behaviors (self-efficacy for diet, exercise, and managing chronic illness) and psychological (perceived stress and depressive symptoms) characteristics of the participants.

Methods

Using a single-group, pretest, posttest design, 10 women participated in the 12-week usability study. Participants were provided a smartphone and a smartwatch on which the HerBeat app was installed. Using a web portal dashboard, a health coach monitored participants’ ecological momentary assessment data, their behavioral data, and their heart rate and step count. Participants then completed a 12-week follow-up assessment.

Results

All 10 women (age: mean 64.4 years, SD 6.3 years) completed the study. The usability and acceptability of HerBeat were good, with a mean system usability score of 83.60 (SD 16.3). The participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in waist circumference (P=.048), weight (P=.02), and BMI (P=.01). Furthermore, depressive symptoms, measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, significantly improved from baseline (P=.04).

Conclusions

The mHealth prototype was feasible and usable for women with CHD. Participants provided data that were useful for further development of HerBeat. The mHealth intervention is expected to help women with CHD self-manage their health behaviors. A randomized controlled trial is needed to further verify the findings.

Gender differences among ischemic heart disease patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation programs reduce cardiovascular events and mortality in ischemic heart disease patients. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences among ischemic heart disease patients enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program regarding adherence to the program, as well as, changes in clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic parameters.

RESULTS

A prospective study that included 30 men and 30 women with stable ischemic heart disease who had been totally revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention. Patients were enrolled in a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program. Assessment of demographics, anthropometric measurements, risk factors, and functional capacity was performed. Lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin, and left ventricular ejection fraction were assessed. Assessments were performed at baseline and after completion of the program. Time to enrollment in the program was prolonged for women 39.17 ± 40.49 vs. 19.77 ± 10.26 days (p = 0.014). At baseline, more women were diabetic (p = 0.004), hypertensive (p = 0.02), had a larger waist circumference (p = 0.022), a higher BMI (p = 0.011), and higher HbA1c (p = 0.033). More men were active smokers (p < 0.001). After completion of the program, it was found that men attended 19.1 ± 4.77 (79.6%) sessions compared to 15.7 ± 5.72 (65.4%) sessions for women (p = 0.015). Women had more reduction in diastolic BP - 10.93 ± 8.94 vs. - 5.47 ± 12.57 mmHg (p = 0.058). The magnitude of reduction in resting heart rate was significant in men (p = 0.018) but not in women (p = 0.376). The magnitude of reduction in serum total cholesterol and triglycerides was more in men (p = 0.018 and p = 0.014). Women showed more reduction in HbA1c (p = 0.052).

CONCLUSION

Men are more adherent to cardiac rehabilitation programs. Recruitment of women is significantly delayed. Women have a higher cardiovascular risk burden in the form of prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Completion of a cardiac rehabilitation program causes a reduction in BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure measurements, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, HbA1c, and LVEDD with an increase in LVEF in both genders. Men show more reduction in resting HR, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels while women show more reduction in diastolic BP and HBA1c.

Depressive Symptoms in Women With Coronary Heart Disease: A Systematic Review of the Longitudinal Literature

BACKGROUND

Interpreting studies about women with coronary heart disease and depressive symptoms is challenging: women continue to be underrepresented in research; data are often not presented separately by sex; many studies do not examine depressive symptoms longitudinally, leaving our understanding incomplete; and the use of multiple depressive symptom assessment instruments makes comparisons between studies problematic.

PURPOSE

The authors of this systematic review examined 20 longitudinal descriptive studies on women with coronary heart disease and depressive symptoms, including prevalence of elevated symptoms, changes in symptoms over time, findings in women versus men, and findings based on assessment instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of elevated depressive symptoms in women was 35.75% at baseline (hospitalization). The Beck Depression Inventory II yielded the highest baseline prevalence (40.3%), slightly higher than the Depression Interview and Structured Hamilton Scale (36%). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Kellner questionnaire yielded much lower prevalence (21.45% and 23%, respectively). Higher prevalence was linked to inclusion of somatic symptoms on measurement instruments except in post-coronary bypass surgery patients. Symptoms trended toward improvement, particularly in the first 6 months, although a few studies measured beyond this time. Women demonstrated higher prevalence than men initially (35.75% vs 23.46%, respectively) and over 24 months (22.71% vs 19.82%, respectively).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Women experienced significantly more depressive symptoms than men initially and over time, although most women's symptoms improved. Measurement varies widely based on instrument and the inclusion/exclusion of somatic symptoms. More longitudinal studies beyond 6 months with prevalence data and analysis by sex/gender are needed.

A Systematic Review of the Diagnostic Accuracy of Depression Questionnaires for Cardiac Populations: IMPLICATIONS FOR CARDIAC REHABILITATION

PURPOSE

Depression is overrepresented in patients with cardiovascular disease and increases risk for future cardiac events. Despite this, depression is not routinely assessed within cardiac rehabilitation. This systematic review sought to examine available depression questionnaires to use within the cardiac population. We assessed each instrument in terms of its capability to accurately identify depressed patients and its sensitivity to detect changes in depression after receiving cardiac rehabilitation.

METHODS

Citation searching of previous reviews, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, and PubMed was conducted.

RESULTS

The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) are among the most widely used questionnaires. Screening questionnaires appear to perform better at accurately identifying depression when using cut scores with high sensitivity and specificity for the cardiac population. The BDI-II and the HADS-D showed the best sensitivity and negative predictive values for detecting depression. The BDI-II, the HADS-D, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale, and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale best captured depression changes after cardiac rehabilitation delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

The BDI-II is one of the most validated depression questionnaires within cardiac populations. Health practitioners should consider the BDI-II for depression screening and tracking purposes. In the event of time/cost constraints, a briefer 2-step procedure (the 2-item Patient Health Questionnaire, followed by the BDI-II, if positive) should be adopted. Given the emphasis on cut scores for depression diagnosis and limited available research across cardiac diagnoses, careful interpretation of these results should be done. Thoughtful use of questionnaires can help identify patients in need of referral or further treatment.

Optimal Gender-Specific Strategies for the Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease in Women: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of evidence on gender-specific, individually tailored secondary prevention (cardiac rehabilitation [CR]) services for women with heart disease. Women participate less in CR programs, thus increasing their risk of further cardiac events. This review aims to (1) determine the effectiveness of gender-specific interventions specifically designed for women with heart disease, delivered in outpatient CR settings; and (2) classify key elements of effective CR strategies/models for women with heart disease.

METHODS

Using the PRISMA guidelines, this is a systematic review of CR models tailored to women to improve cardiovascular risk. Four databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between January 1974 and July 2017 published in peer-reviewed English language journals.

RESULTS

Three RCTs comprising 725 women of gender-specific CR strategies were identified. Significant improvements were found in one-third (1 study) of the included multicomponent CR strategies for outcomes including general health, social functioning, vitality, mental health, depression, and quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Further large-scale RCTs are required to replicate positive findings and accurately assess the capacity for gender-specific multicomponent CR programs that incorporate participant-driven collaborative models to moderate psychological risk and improve functional capacity and quality of life for women with heart disease.

Factors associated with non-participation in and dropout from cardiac rehabilitation programmes: a systematic review of prospective cohort studies

BACKGROUND

Although evidence exists for the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation programmes to reduce morbidity and mortality among patients with cardiovascular disease, cardiac rehabilitation programmes are underused. We aimed systematically to review the evidence from prospective cohort studies on factors associated with non-participation in and/or dropping out from cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

METHODS

MedLine, Embase, Scopus, Open Grey and Cochrane Database were searched for relevant publications from inception to February 2018. Search terms included (a) coronary heart disease and other cardiac conditions; (b) cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention; and (c) non-participation in and/or dropout. Databases were searched following the PRISMA statement. Study selection, data extraction and the assessment of study quality were performed in duplicate.

RESULTS

We selected 43 studies with a total of 63,425 patients from 10 different countries that met the inclusion criteria. Factors associated with non-participation in and dropout from cardiac rehabilitation were grouped into six broad categories: intrapersonal factors, clinical factors, interpersonal factors, logistical factors, cardiac rehabilitation programme factors and health system factors. We found that clinical factors, logistical factors and health system factors were the main factors assessed for non-participation in cardiac rehabilitation. We also found differences between the factors associated with non-participation and dropout.

CONCLUSIONS

Several factors were determinant for non-participation in and dropout from cardiac rehabilitation. These findings could be useful to clinicians and policymakers for developing interventions aimed at improving participation and completion of cardiac rehabilitation, such as E-health or home-based delivery programmes. Trial Registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) identifier: CRD42016032973.

Smoking Cessation in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome

Over 30% of the nearly 1 million North Americans hospitalized annually with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are smokers. Despite a substantially increased risk of morbidity and mortality, 2/3 of patients who quit smoking after ACS return to smoking within 1 year. To summarize the evidence of smoking cessation in patients hospitalized after ACS, we systematically reviewed all randomized controlled trials of pharmacologic and behavioral smoking cessation therapies in patients with ACS. In addition, we reviewed the clinical considerations surrounding the use of smoking cessation therapies, including their broad mechanisms of action and possible alternative treatments, including cardiac rehabilitation programs and electronic cigarettes. A total of 7 randomized controlled trials met our inclusion criteria (4 pharmacotherapies and 3 behavioral therapies). In pharmacologic trials, only varenicline increased point prevalence abstinence at 12 months. Behavioral interventions produced significantly improved abstinence rates at 6 and 12 months. However, these studies had substantial limitations affecting their generalizability. Overall, currently available smoking cessation therapies are limited in their efficacy in patients hospitalized after ACS. Because of the relative scarcity of data and the urgency of establishing clinical guidelines, there is a critical need to continue examining the efficacy and safety of smoking cessation interventions in patients hospitalized after ACS.

Influence of Depression on Utilization of Cardiac Rehabilitation Postmyocardial Infarction: A STUDY OF 158 991 MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

PURPOSE

On the basis of several small studies, depression is often considered a barrier to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) enrollment and program completion. The purpose of this research was to examine the association between depression diagnosis and participation in CR in a large sample of Medicare beneficiaries with recent myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

This was a retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries with an MI during 2008 (N = 158 991). CR enrollment was determined by the Carrier and Outpatient files using the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System #93797 or #93798. Depression diagnosis was obtained from the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes in the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR), Outpatient and Carrier Files. The association between depression diagnosis and CR attendance was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

Overall, 14% (n = 22 735) of the study population attended CR within 1 year of MI diagnosis. Twenty-eight percent (n = 43 827) had a diagnosis of depression, with 96% of cases documented before enrollment in CR. Twenty-eight percent with a diagnosis of depression compared with 9% without depression attended CR. In adjusted analysis, patients with depression were 3.9 (99% CI, 3.7-4.2) times more likely to attend CR compared with those without depression. Program completion (≥25 sessions) was more common in those with depression (56%) than in those without (35%) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis of depression in Medicare beneficiaries was strongly associated with attending CR and attending more sessions of CR compared with those without depression. Depression is not a barrier to CR participation after MI in Medicare beneficiaries.

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Women: A Systematic Review of Barriers and Solutions

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services improve various clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disease, but such services are underutilized, particularly in women. The aim of this study was to identify evidence-based barriers and solutions for CR participation in women. A literature search was carried out using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, OVID/Medline, and CINAHL to identify studies that have assessed barriers and/or solutions to CR participation. Titles and abstracts were screened, and then the full-text of articles that met study criteria were reviewed. We identified 24 studies that studied barriers to CR participation in women and 31 studies that assessed the impact of various interventions to improve CR referral, enrollment, and/or completion of CR in women. Patient-level barriers included lower education level, multiple comorbid conditions, non-English native language, lack of social support, and high burden of family responsibilities. We found support for the use of automatic referral and assisted enrollment to improve CR participation. A small number of studies suggest that incentive-based strategies, as well as home-based programs, may contribute to improving CR attendance and completion rates. A systematic approach to CR referral, including automatic CR referral, may help overcome barriers to CR referral in women and should be implemented in clinical practice. However, more studies are needed to help identify the best methods to improve CR attendance and completion of CR rates in women.

The Association Between Cardiac Rehabilitation Attendance and Hospital Readmission

Purpose: Cardiac rehabilitation is associated with improved clinical outcomes, but the impact of individual cardiac rehabilitation sessions on readmission rates is less studied. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of the relationship between the number of cardiac rehabilitation sessions completed and all-cause and cardiac readmission rates at 1 year was conducted. The 1-year cardiac readmission counts were modeled via Poisson regression. Results: Of the 347 patients included in the primary analysis, 227 (65%) completed all assigned cardiac rehabilitation sessions. At 1 year, 135 patients (39%) had at least 1 cardiac readmission, and 155 patients (45%) had at least 1 all-cause readmission. The primary result was that every additional cardiac rehabilitation session completed was associated with a 1.75% lower incidence rate of 1-year cardiac readmission (P = .01) and a 2% lower incidence rate of all-cause hospital readmission (P = .001). Conclusion: Regardless of the number of cardiac rehabilitation sessions assigned, each additional session attended was associated with reduced cardiac readmission by 1.75% and all-cause readmission by 2%.

Gender-specific issues in cardiac rehabilitation: do women with ischaemic heart disease need specially tailored programmes?

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD) has changed from a disease of middle-aged men in the late 1970s to a disease of elderly women in the 2000s. Most clinical studies during the past three decades have been conducted with men. Cardiac rehabilitation programmes were also developed with special regard to improving the rate of return to work in middle-aged men. The rehabilitation needs of older patients and women in particular have been largely neglected. The aim of this review is briefly to outline our present knowledge on gender issues in cardiac rehabilitation, and to specify barriers with regard to physical activities especially in (older) women. Coping with a cardiac event, women tend to minimize or play down the impact of their health situation and avoid burdening their social contacts. After a first cardiac event, women report greater psychological distress and lower self-efficacy and self-esteem. In addition, older age, lower exercise levels and reduced functional capacity or co-morbid conditions such as osteoporosis and urinary incontinence are barriers to physical activities in women with IHD. Recent studies on psychosocial intervention revealed less favourable results in women compared with men. These findings have not yet been well explained. This emphasizes our current lack of knowledge about the processes and determinants of successful psychosocial interventions in men and women with IHD. A large (European) trial on gender-specific coping styles, needs, and preferences of older women, and the effects of psychosocial intervention is proposed.

Routine initial exercise stress testing for treatment stratification in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation

There is evidence of substantial benefit of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with low exercise capacity at admission. Nevertheless, some patients are not able to perform an initial exercise stress test (EST). We aimed to describe this group using data of 1094 consecutive patients after a cardiac event (71±7 years, 78% men) enrolled in nine centres for inpatient CR. We analysed sociodemographic and clinical variables (e.g. cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, complications at admission), amount of therapy (e.g. exercise training, nursing care) and the results of the initial and the final 6-min walking test (6MWT) with respect to the application of an EST. Fifteen per cent of patients did not undergo an EST (non-EST group). In multivariable analysis, the probability of obtaining an EST was higher for men [odds ratio (OR) 1.89, P=0.01], a 6MWT (per 10 m, OR 1.07, P<0.01) and lower for patients with diabetes mellitus (OR 0.48, P<0.01), NYHA-class III/IV (OR 0.27, P<0.01), osteoarthritis (OR 0.39, P<0.01) and a longer hospital stay (per 5 days, OR 0.87, P=0.02). The non-EST group received fewer therapy units of exercise training, but more units of nursing care and physiotherapy than the EST group. However, there were no significant differences between both groups in the increase of the 6MWT during CR (123 vs. 108 m, P=0.122). The present study confirms the feasibility of an EST at the start of CR as an indicator of disease severity. Nevertheless, patients without EST benefit from CR even if exercising less. Thus, there is a justified need for individualized, comprehensive and interdisciplinary CR.

Smoking and cardiac rehabilitation participation: Associations with referral, attendance and adherence

OBJECTIVE

Continued smoking after a cardiac event greatly increases mortality risk. Smoking cessation and participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are effective in reducing morbidity and mortality. However, these two behaviors may interact; those who smoke may be less likely to access or complete CR. This review explores the association between smoking status and CR referral, attendance, and adherence.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted examining associations between smoking status and CR referral, attendance and completion in peer-reviewed studies published through July 1st, 2014. For inclusion, studies had to report data on outpatient CR referral, attendance or completion rates and smoking status had to be considered as a variable associated with these outcomes.

RESULTS

Fifty-six studies met inclusion criteria. In summary, a history of smoking was associated with an increased likelihood of referral to CR. However, smoking status also predicted not attending CR and was a strong predictor of CR dropout.

CONCLUSION

Continued smoking after a cardiac event predicts lack of attendance in, and completion of CR. The issue of smoking following a coronary event deserves renewed attention.

Heart disease management by women: does intervention format matter?

A randomized controlled trial of two formats of a program (Women Take PRIDE) to enhance management of heart disease by patients was conducted. Older women (N = 575) were randomly assigned to a group or self-directed format or to a control group. Data regarding symptoms, functional health status, and weight were collected at baseline and at 4, 12, and 18 months. The formats produced different outcomes. At 18 months, the self-directed format was better than the control in reducing the number (p ≤ .02), frequency (p ≤ .03), and bothersomeness (p ≤ .02) of cardiac symptoms. The self-directed format was also better than the group format in reducing symptom frequency of all types (p ≤ .04). The group format improved ambulation at 12 months (p ≤ .04) and weight loss at 18 months (p ≤ .03), and group participants were more likely to complete the program (p ≤ .05). The availability of different learning formats could enhance management of cardiovascular disease by patients.

Time trends of gender-based differences in lipid goal attainments during secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: results of a 5-year survey

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women worldwide. Little is known about gender-based differences in lipid goal attainment during secondary prevention of coronary artery disease. We conducted this study to analyze gender differences in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol target attainment in secondary prevention after acute myocardial infarction over a 5-year period. In this retrospective study, the electronic database of lipid clinic at a single center was used as the data source. Temporal trends and gender differences in demographics, lipid profile, and medication use were determined. Goal low-density lipoprotein (LDL) was defined per National Cholesterol Education Program ATP III guidelines.A total of 1365 patients (823 males, 542 females) constituted the study sample. Patients in 2007 were older than those in 2003 (females 68.6 ± 14 vs. 70.7 ± 11.7 years; males 63.6 ± 12 vs. 65.8 ± 11 years; P < 0.05) and had a higher body mass index (females 27.8 ± 1 vs. 28.6 ± 1 kg/m; males 27.6 ± 1 vs. 28.1 ± 1 kg/m, in 2003 and 2007 respectively, P < 0.05). Mean LDL decreased significantly overtime in both males and females. No gender difference in lipid-lowering therapy was observed. Females had a higher LDL than did males in 2003 (115.3 ± 12.3 vs. 99.7 ± 12.5 mg/dL; P < 0.05), and this difference persisted through 2007 (102.2 ± 11.7 vs. 91.3 ± 11.2 mg/dL; P < 0.05). Overall rate of achieving goal LDL improved from 76.5% (2003) to 83.02% (2007), P < 0.05, but remained lower for females than for males both in 2003 and 2007 [69.8% vs. 80.1% (2003), P < 0.05, and 77.9% vs. 85.6% (2007), P < 0.05].The trend over a recent 5-year period shows that females are less likely to achieve goal LDL than males are, and it indicates the need for more aggressive lipid-lowering strategies in females.

The effects of a transtheoretical model-based exercise stage-matched intervention on exercise behavior in patients with coronary heart disease: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a transtheoretical model-based exercise stage-matched intervention (ESMI) has positive effects on the exercise behavior of sedentary patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

The study was a randomized controlled trial with a repeated measures design. Participants (N=196) were randomly allocated to either a conventional (C) group, a patient education (PE) group, or an ESMI group. Exercise behavior was measured by exercise stages of change, exercise self-efficacy, exercise decisional balance, and duration of moderate exercise at baseline, immediate post-intervention, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the ESMI group demonstrated a more positive shift in exercise stages of change (p<0.01), higher exercise self-efficacy (p<0.01), greater exercise benefits (p<0.01), fewer exercise barriers (p<0.01), and longer moderate exercise duration (minutes/week) (p<0.01) after completion of the 8-week intervention compared with the C and PE groups. These significantly positive effects were maintained at 3- and 6-month follow-up.

CONCLUSION

The transtheoretical model-based ESMI had significantly positive effects on the exercise behavior of sedentary CHD patients.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It is important to provide a structured education program for CHD patients, preferably guided by the transtheoretical model.

Cardiac rehabilitation past, present and future: an overview

Cardiac Rehabilitation has evolved over the past decades from a simple monitoring for the safe return to physical activities to a multidisciplinary approach that focuses on patient education, individually tailored exercise training, modification of the risk factors and the overall well-being of the cardiac patients. It has been proven to be an effective tool for the care of the patients with heart disease. Recent research in cardiac rehabilitation has demonstrated that tremendous benefits can be derived from the optimal use of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with various cardiac pathologies including ischemic heart disease, heart failure and post heart surgery. The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation include mortality reduction, symptom relief, reduction in smoking and improved exercise tolerance, risk factors modification and the overall psychosocial wellbeing. Unfortunately, cardiac rehabilitation remains considerably underutilized mainly because of referral problems and poor enrollment. The development of alternate approaches and the use of transtelephonic and other means of monitoring and surveillance will help expand the utilization of cardiac rehabilitation.

Maternal depressive symptoms predict acute hospitalization among children with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to examine the impact of a mother's depressive symptoms on the risk of hospital admission of her child due to severe hypoglycemia or diabetic ketoacidosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred sixty-six mothers of children with type 1 diabetes (T1DM) were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). All of the children were studied prospectively for acute diabetic complications. The optimal thresholds of HDRS mother's scores for prediction of the risk of child hospitalization were identified using the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis. The time to hospital admissions were compared using the log-rank test for univariate and Cox's proportional hazard models for multivariate analysis of risk factors for hospitalization.

RESULTS

At study entry age, diabetes duration and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of the children equaled 13.5 ± 2.6 years, 4.1 ± 1.9 years and 7.8 ± 1.7%, respectively. Throughout the observation period 56 patients required at least one hospitalization due to acute complications. Median time of observation and time to the hospital admission were 46.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 32.2-57.7] and 13.2 (IQR 6.6-20.0) months, respectively. The best cutoff value of maternal depression in HDRS predictive for the risk of child hospitalization was above 12 points. The hazard ratio for hospitalization offered by the cutoff score for mother's depressive symptoms above threshold was 2.73 (95% confidence interval: 1.39-5.36).

CONCLUSION

Children with T1DM whose mothers show high level of depressive symptoms are at an elevated risk for hospitalization due to acute diabetic complication.

Efficacy of metabolic and psychological screening for mood disorders among children with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To compare the diagnostic accuracy and time expenditure of screening models based on glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) level and psychometric measures for mood disorder (MD) among children with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

With semistructured clinical interviews (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for Children-Present and Lifetime version, 120 min/patient) as a reference for diagnosing MD, including major depressive disorder (MDD), we tested 163 subjects, aged 8 to 18 years, with type 1 diabetes. We evaluated four screening approaches: 1) Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) at 30 min/patient, 2) HbA(1c) level, 3) HbA(1c) level plus CDI, and 4) HbA(1c) level plus Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS) at 40 min/patient. These tests were conducted with all participants, and the total time expenditure for all four approaches was calculated as the total time needed to implement successfully the screening for MD or MDD in the center.

RESULTS

HbA(1c) performed on par with individual psychometric tests in diagnosing MD or MDD. The HbA(1c) plus CDRS model was the best screening procedure for both MD and MDD, with diagnostic thresholds for HbA(1c) established at 8.7% and 9.0%, respectively. Cutoff points for CDRS assessed after filtering by HbA(1c) were 26 (MD) and 30 (MDD) points. Center-wide application of this procedure would result in an 83% reduction of the examination time necessary for the psychiatrist for MD screening and a 91% reduction for MDD screening, as compared with standard screening with CDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of HbA(1c) level followed by CDRS is a time-efficient procedure to screen for MD in children with type 1 diabetes.

Verbal memory performance and completion of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary artery disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess cognitive performance as a predictor of noncompletion of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) using a standardized verbal memory test.

METHODS

This was a prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (n = 131) entering 1-year outpatient CR between April 2007 and May 2009. Verbal memory performance was assessed using the California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition. Attendance at weekly CR sessions was recorded, and completion or noncompletion was determined according to comprehensive CR criteria. Depression was diagnosed according to DSM-IV criteria as a possible confounder.

RESULTS

Verbal memory performance at entry into CR differed significantly (F(1,130) = 7.80, p = .006) between noncompleters and completers (mean [SD] cumulative California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition, score, -1.15 [2.59] versus 0.47 [3.12]) in analysis of covariance controlling for pertinent clinical confounders. Better verbal memory performance predicted a reduced risk of noncompletion (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77-0.96, p = .009) in time-to-event analysis adjusted for depression (HR = 2.62, 95% CI = 1.33-5.17, p = .006) and smoking history (HR = 2.03, 95% CI = 0.98-4.22, p = .06). A post hoc analysis suggested that better verbal memory performance predicted a reduced risk of noncompletion for medical reasons (HR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.70-0.99, p = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Poorer verbal memory performance was associated with an increased risk of noncompletion of CR among participants with coronary artery disease. Further studies exploring practical methods for screening and targeted support might improve rehabilitation outcomes.

The effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program tailored for women on their perceptions of health: a randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program tailored for women with a traditional program on perceptions of health among women with coronary heart disease.

METHODS

This 2-group randomized clinical trial compared the perceptions of health among 92 women completing a traditional 12-week CR program with those of 133 women completing a tailored program that included motivational interviewing guided by the transtheoretical model of behavior change. Perceptions of health were measured using the SF-36 Health Survey at baseline, postintervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Analysis of variance was used to compare changes in SF-36 Health Survey subscale scores over time.

RESULTS

The group-by-time interaction was significant for the general health (F2,446 = 3.80, P = .023), social functioning (F2,446 = 4.85, P = .008), vitality (F2,446 = 5.85, P = .003), and mental health (F2,446 = 3.61, P = .028) subscales, indicating that the pattern of change was different between the 2 groups. Of the 4 subscales on which there were significant group-by-time interactions, the tailored group demonstrated improved scores over time on all 4 subscales, while the traditional group improved on only the emotional role limitations and vitality subscales.

CONCLUSIONS

A tailored CR program improved general health perceptions, mental health, vitality, and social functioning in women when compared with traditional CR. To the extent that perceptions of health contribute to healthy behaviors fostered in CR programs, tailoring CR programs to alter perceptions of health may improve adherence.

The effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program tailored for women on global quality of life: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Women with heart disease have adverse psychosocial profiles and poor attendance in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs. Few studies examine CR programs tailored for women for improving their quality of life (QOL).

METHODS

This randomized clinical trial (RCT) compared QOL among women in a traditional CR program with that of women completing a tailored program that included motivational interviewing guided by the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change. Two measures of QOL, the Multiple Discrepancies Theory questionnaire (MDT) and the Self-Anchoring Striving Scale (SASS), were administered to 225 women at baseline, postintervention, and 6-month follow-up. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to compare changes in QOL scores over time.

RESULTS

Baseline MDT and SASS scores were 35.1 and 35.5 and 7.1 and 7.0 for the tailored and traditional CR groups, respectively. Postintervention, MDT and SASS scores increased to 37.9 and 7.9, respectively, for the tailored group compared with 35.9 and 7.1 for the traditional group. Follow-up scores were 37.7 and 7.6 for the tailored group and 35.7 and 7.1 for the traditional group. Significant group by time interactions were found. Subsequent tests revealed that MDT and SASS scores for the traditional group did not differ over time. The tailored group showed significantly increased MDT and SASS scores from baseline to posttest, and despite slight attenuation from posttest to 6-month follow-up, MDT and SASS scores remained higher than baseline.

CONCLUSIONS

The CR program tailored for women significantly improved global QOL compared with traditional CR. Future studies should explore the mechanisms by which such programs affect QOL.

The long-term benefits of cardiac rehabilitation on depression, anxiety, physical activity and quality of life

AIMS

To investigate the long-term benefits of a six-week comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme on physical activity, psychological well-being and quality of life in patients with coronary heart disease.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in short term improves exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with cardiac disease. However, the long-term benefits of CR are inconclusive.

DESIGN

A prospective CR programme with repeated measures follow-up over 12 months.

METHODS

A six-week outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programme was conducted including 147 patients with coronary heart disease. Patients completed the physical activity energy expenditure (seven-day recall activity), MacNew Heart Disease Health-Related Quality of Life (MacNew) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADs) at baseline, six weeks, six and 12 months.

RESULTS

One hundred and five (71%) patients (76 male) mean age of 61.8 (SD 9.7) completed the four-measurement points. Analysis of variance revealed that total energy expenditure (F (2, 231) = 131, p < 0.001), HADs (F (2, 237) = 19.3, p < 0.001), depression score (F (2, 235) = 21.06, p < 0.001), anxiety score (F (2,237) = 17.02, p < 0.001) and MacNew (F (2, 197) = 77.02, p < 0.001) were all statistically significant over time. Bonferroni pairwise follow-up confirmed significant positive differences (p < 0.05) between baseline values and all subsequent measures over time. Depression was independently explained in 22% of the variance in quality of life at 6 or 12 months. The energy expenditure was significantly higher for men compared to women (F (1, 103) = 31, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

A six-week cardiac rehabilitation programme is beneficial in improving quality of life, physical activity status, anxiety and depression. These benefits were maintained at 12 months. Elevated levels of depression were associated with impaired quality of life.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

All relevant health care staff should be aware of the benefits of CR and routinely refer and encourage patients with cardiac disease to attend a cardiac rehabilitation programme. Depression and anxiety intervention strategies should be incorporated in cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

Predicting cardiac rehabilitation attendance in a gender-tailored randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

This study compared attendance of women participating in a motivationally enhanced, gender-tailored cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program with that of women attending a traditional outpatient CR program. We also sought to determine the significant baseline predictors of attendance of the exercise and education components of the interventions.

METHODS

Data from 252 women with CHD in the randomized clinical trial, the Women's-Only Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, were used in this study. The experimental design used 2 treatment groups: both receiving a comprehensive, 12-week, CR program, with 1 group receiving a gender-tailored, stage-of-change matched, behavioral enhancement using individualized motivational interviewing.

RESULTS

Compared with women in the traditional CR program, women in the gender-tailored program attended significantly more of the prescribed exercise (90% vs 77%) and education sessions (87% vs 56%). Group assignment accounted for about 5% of the variance in exercise attendance (F1,250 = 12.755, P < .001) and about 24% of the variance in education attendance (F1,250 = 77.942, P < .001). After controlling for group assignment, the baseline characteristics of smoking status, marital status, and anxiety accounted for about 17% of the variance in exercise attendance (F5,245 = 10.494, P < .001). Smoking status and marital status were significant baseline predictors of education attendance (F5,245 = 6.115, P < .001) after controlling for group assignment.

CONCLUSIONS

The long-standing, poor attendance of women in CR continues to be an unresolved international challenge. Gender-tailored, stage-matched, CR programs hold promise for enhancing attendance to prescribed protocols. Additional research examining the efficacy of gender-sensitive, motivationally enhanced CR for women compared with generic CR programs is warranted.

The effects of a tailored cardiac rehabilitation program on depressive symptoms in women: A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Depression is known to co-occur with coronary heart disease (CHD). Depression may also inhibit the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs by decreasing adherence. Higher prevalence of depression in women may place them at increased risk for non-adherence.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of a modified, stage-of-change-matched, gender-tailored CR program for reducing depressive symptoms among women with CHD.

METHODS

A two-group randomized clinical trial compared depressive symptoms of women in a traditional 12-week CR program to those completing a tailored program that included motivational interviewing guided by the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change. Women in the experimental group also participated in a gender-tailored exercise protocol that excluded men. The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) Scale was administered to 225 women at baseline, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Analysis of Variance was used to compare changes in depression scores over time.

RESULTS

Baseline CES-D scores were 17.3 and 16.5 for the tailored and traditional groups, respectively. Post-intervention mean scores were 11.0 and 14.3; 6-month follow-up scores were 13.0 and 15.2, respectively. A significant group by time interaction was found for CES-D scores (F(2, 446)=4.42, p=.013). Follow-up tests revealed that the CES-D scores for the traditional group did not differ over time (F(2, 446)=2.00, p=.137). By contrast, the tailored group showed significantly decreased CES-D scores from baseline to post-test (F(1, 223)=50.34, p<.001); despite the slight rise from post-test to 6-month follow-up, CES-D scores remained lower than baseline (F(1, 223)=19.25, p<.001).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that a modified, gender-tailored CR program reduced depressive symptoms in women when compared to a traditional program. To the extent that depression hinders CR adherence, such tailored programs have potential to improve outcomes for women by maximizing adherence. Future studies should explore the mechanism by which such programs produce benefits.

Predictors of dropout from a multidisciplinary heart failure program: a nested case study

BACKGROUND

Chronic heart failure is a growing public health issue that is reaching epidemic proportions. In the last few years, multidisciplinary management programs have been developed to improve its management. Yet, some patients take advantage of these programs, whereas others do not.

METHODS

Several demographic, medical, and social variables were evaluated as contributors to dropout after enrollment into a multidisciplinary heart failure program using a nested case-control design. A total of 14 patients and 42 controls were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Possible associations were explored by means of chi Mantel-Haenszel test and a binary logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The only significant factor associated with dropout was social isolation. Patients who lived alone, without family support, had a significantly greater dropout risk (odds ratio, 12.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-11.6).

CONCLUSIONS

For patients who live alone, an individualized approach may be better than a multidisciplinary management program, but this hypothesis should be investigated in future studies.

Elevated risk profile of women in secondary prevention of coronary artery disease: a 6-year survey of 117,913 patients

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The prognosis of female patients after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has been shown to be inferior to that of male patients. Little is known about gender differences during the secondary prevention phase.

METHODS

After ACS, 117,913 patients (30.7% female) were enrolled in two large-scale German registries from 2000 to 2005 during phase II cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Demographic parameters, reperfusion strategies, cardiovascular risk factors, exercise capacity, and medication use at admission and discharge were assessed. Temporary changes (trends) and gender-specific differences were determined.

RESULTS

Compared to 2000, patients in 2005 were significantly older (females: 66.4 vs. 68.0 years; males: 62.3 vs. 63.3 years; p = 0.001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI) (females: 27.7 vs. 28.6 kg/m(2); males: 27.6 vs. 28.1 kg/m(2), in 2000 and 2005, respectively, p < 0.001). Target blood pressure <140/90 mm Hg at discharge was obtained in a smaller proportion of women than men (81.0 vs. 83.0%, p < 0.001). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels at discharge were significantly higher in female patients (95.0 vs. 93.2 mg/dL, p < 0.001); 80.9% of female vs. 83.8% of male patients achieved a target fasting glucose <126 mg/dL during the CR (p < 0.001). Large between-center variability was noted for age, total cholesterol at entry, and exercise capacity at entry and discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Although control of cardiovascular risk factors has improved in both genders, over a recent 6-year period, female patients compared with males were less likely to achieve target values for blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid values in the early period after acute coronary events.

Current status of cardiac rehabilitation in Latin America and the Caribbean

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Latin America is increasing and contributes importantly to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases. Advanced resources for the diagnosis and treatment of CAD are available in most of the region. However, preventive approaches such as cardiovascular rehabilitation programs (CVRP) may not be widely implemented.

METHODS

We carried out a telephone-based survey to hospitals sampled in a random and population-weighted fashion from a list of 202 centers with cardiac catheterization laboratories in Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. We collected information of availability of cardiac procedures and imaging techniques and also extensive data about the presence, characteristics, and quality measures of CVRP.

RESULTS

A total of 98 centers were contacted, and a complete survey was provided by 59 centers (60%) from 13 countries. Cardiovascular rehabilitation programs were available in only 56% of centers. There were no differences between centers with and without CVRP regarding type of hospital, availability of cardiac surgery, and annual volume of patients with myocardial infarction. Among centers with CVRP, 70% offered all phases of CVRP. The lack of CVRP was attributed to lack of qualified personnel in 41% of centers, financial constraints in 33%, and lack of physical space in 13%. All centers without CVRP performed cardiac surgery and percutaneous interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the presence of state-of-the-art technology for the diagnosis and treatment of CAD, availability of CVRP, a less expensive yet effective tool for the treatment of CAD, appears to be limited in Latin America and the Caribbean.