Cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in the community

Coronary artery disease management in older adults: revascularization and exercise training

The mean age of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) is steadily increasing. In older patients, there is a tendency to underutilize invasive approach, coronary revascularization, up-to-date pharmacological therapies, and secondary prevention strategies, including cardiac rehabilitation. Older adults with CAD commonly exhibit atypical symptoms, multi-vessel disease involvement, complex coronary anatomy, and a higher presence of risk factors and comorbidities. Although both invasive procedures and medical treatments are characterized by a higher risk of complications, avoidance may result in a suboptimal outcome. Often, overlooked factors, such as coronary microvascular disease, malnutrition, and poor physical performance, play a key role in determining prognosis, yet they are not routinely assessed or addressed in older patients. Historically, clinicians have relied on sub-analyses or observational findings to make clinical decisions, as older adults were frequently excluded or under-represented in clinical studies. Recently, dedicated evidence through randomized clinical trials has become available for older CAD patients. Nevertheless, the management of older CAD patients still raises several important questions. This review aims to comprehensively summarize and critically evaluate this emerging evidence, focusing on invasive management and coronary revascularization. Furthermore, it seeks to contextualize these interventions within the framework of improved risk stratification tools for older CAD patients, through user-friendly scales along with emphasizing the importance of promoting physical activity and exercise training to enhance the outcomes of invasive and medical treatments. This comprehensive approach may represent the key to improving prognosis in the complex and growing patient population of older CAD patients.

Improved Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral Rate Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Quality Improvement Team

Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an underutilized resource in patients with ischemic heart disease, despite being a Class IA recommendation. In this study, a multidisciplinary quality improvement (QI) team aimed to improve CR referrals by standardizing the ordering process at our hospital system. Method By using a collaborative approach involving the electronic medical record (EMR), medical provider education, and hospital protocols, our two-hospital healthcare system was able to successfully identify barriers to CR referral rates and implement interventions for these barriers. All physicians and medical providers, including ancillary staff, were educated on the EMR order sets to improve compliance by using automated order sets in the EMR. The CR referral order in the EMR included a statement regarding the application of evidence-based medicine, and a computerized provider order entry was included as a reminder to the ordering provider. The use of EMR was monitored monthly by the QI committee. Chi-square test and odds ratios were obtained for statistical analysis. Results Through provider-EMR education and patient education on discharge, CR referral rates significantly improved from 51.2 to 87.1% (p = 0.0001) in a 12-month period. The study included 1,499 patients in total. The improvement was statistically significant regardless of patient gender, race, or insurance coverage. Additionally, subgroup analysis in this study found that prior to standardization of the ordering process, African American patients were significantly less likely to be referred to CR compared to Caucasian patients. (51.2% vs. 41.0%, p=0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the likelihood of CR referral between Caucasian and African American patients following the intervention (84.0% vs. 78.0%, p = 0.166). Conclusion This study shows that CR is an underutilized resource and that effective QI initiatives may not only increase CR referral rates but also close the gap between racial inequities in referral rates. Future research with multi-center randomized control trials is needed to further enhance its external generalizability to other institutions.

Hospital- and Patient-Level Analysis of Quality Indicators in Acute Coronary Syndrome Care: A Nationwide Database Study

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to clarify the variations in the quality of care provided to patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to investigate the association between quality of care and mortality at both hospital and patient levels with the use of a nationwide database.

METHODS

Patients with ACS who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from April 2014 to March 2018 were included from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan. Twelve quality indicators (QIs) available from administrative data and the association of the QIs with all-cause mortality were investigated.

RESULTS

From the analysis of 216,436 patients from 1215 hospitals, adherence to PCI on admission day, aspirin use on arrival, P2Y12 inhibitor use, and left ventricular function assessment were high (median proportion > 90%), and adherence to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation was low (median proportion < 10%). At the hospital level, acute-phase composite QI score was associated with reduced risk-adjusted 30-day mortality (β = -0.92 [95% confidence interval -1.19 to -0.65]; P < 0.001). At the patient level, all acute-phase and subacute-phase QIs were inversely associated with 30-day and 2-year mortalities, respectively (all P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial variations in ACS care were observed in the current nationwide database. High adherence to the QI sets was associated with significant survival gains at both hospital and patient levels. Multilevel approach in QI assessment may be effective for improvement of survival in this population.

One-Year Follow-Up of Patients Admitted for Emergency Coronary Angiography after Resuscitated Cardiac Arrest

(1) Background: Despite the improvement of the in-hospital survival rate after aborted sudden cardiac death (SCD), cerebral anoxia may have severe neurologic consequences and may impair long-term outcome and quality of life of surviving patients. The aim of this study was to assess neurological outcomes at one year after resuscitated cardiac arrest; (2) Methods: This prospective, observational, and multicentre study included patients >18 yo admitted in the catheterisation laboratory for coronary angiography after aborted SCD between 1 May 2018 and 31 May 2020. Only patients who were discharged alive from hospital were evaluated. The primary endpoint was survival without neurological sequelae at one-year follow-up defined by a cerebral performance category (CPC) of one or two. Secondary end points included all-cause mortality, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, neurologic evaluation at discharge, three-month and one-year follow-up using the CPC scale, and quality of life at 1 year using the Quality of Life after Brain Injury (QOLIBRI) questionnaire; (3) Results: Among 143 patients admitted for SCD within the study period, 61 (42.7%) were discharged alive from hospital, among whom 55 (90.1%) completed the one-year follow-up. No flow and low flow times were 1.9 ± 2.4 min and 16.5 ± 10.4 min, respectively. For 93.4% of the surviving patients, an initial shockable rhythm (n = 57) was observed and acute coronary syndrome was diagnosed in 75.4% of them (n = 46). At 1 year, survival rate without neurologic sequelae was 87.2% (n = 48). Patients with poor outcome were older (69.3 vs. 57.4 yo; p = 0.04) and had lower body mass index (22.4 vs. 26.7; p = 0.013) and a lower initial Left Ventricle Ejection Fraction (LVEF) (32.1% vs. 40.3%; p = 0.046). During follow-up, neurological status improved in 36.8% of patients presenting sequelae at discharge, and overall quality of life was satisfying for 66.7% of patients according to the QOLIBRI questionnaire; (4) Conclusions: Among patients admitted to the catheterisation laboratory for aborted SCD, mainly related to Acute Coronary Syndrom (ACS), less than a half of them were alive at discharge. However, the one-year survival rate without neurological sequelae was high and overall quality of life was good.

Rehabilitation Using Mobile Health for Older Adults With Ischemic Heart Disease in the Home Setting (RESILIENT): Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Participation in ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation remains low, especially among older adults. Although mobile health cardiac rehabilitation (mHealth-CR) provides a novel opportunity to deliver care, age-specific impairments may limit older adults’ uptake, and efficacy data are currently lacking.

Objective

This study aims to describe the design of the rehabilitation using mobile health for older adults with ischemic heart disease in the home setting (RESILIENT) trial.

Methods

RESILIENT is a multicenter randomized clinical trial that is enrolling patients aged ≥65 years with ischemic heart disease in a 3:1 ratio to either an intervention (mHealth-CR) or control (usual care) arm, with a target sample size of 400 participants. mHealth-CR consists of a commercially available mobile health software platform coupled with weekly exercise therapist sessions to review progress and set new activity goals. The primary outcome is a change in functional mobility (6-minute walk distance), which is measured at baseline and 3 months. Secondary outcomes are health status, goal attainment, hospital readmission, and mortality. Among intervention participants, engagement with the mHealth-CR platform will be analyzed to understand the characteristics that determine different patterns of use (eg, persistent high engagement and declining engagement).

Results

As of December 2021, the RESILIENT trial had enrolled 116 participants. Enrollment is projected to continue until October 2023. The trial results are expected to be reported in 2024.

Conclusions

The RESILIENT trial will generate important evidence about the efficacy of mHealth-CR among older adults in multiple domains and characteristics that determine the sustained use of mHealth-CR. These findings will help design future precision medicine approaches to mobile health implementation in older adults. This knowledge is especially important in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has shifted much of health care to a remote, internet-based setting.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03978130; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03978130

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/32163

Sex Differences in Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcomes

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in males and females in the United States and globally. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended by the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology for secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease. CR participation is associated with improved cardiovascular disease risk factor management, quality of life, and exercise capacity as well as reductions in hospital admissions and mortality. Despite these advantageous clinical outcomes, significant sex disparities exist in outpatient phase II CR programming. This article reviews sex differences that are present in the spectrum of care provided by outpatient phase II CR programming (ie, from referral to clinical management). We first review CR participation by detailing the sex disparities in the rates of CR referral, enrollment, and completion. In doing so, we discuss patient, health care provider, and social/environmental level barriers to CR participation with a particular emphasis on those barriers that majorly impact females. We also evaluate sex differences in the core components incorporated into CR programming (eg, patient assessment, exercise training, hypertension management). Next, we review strategies to mitigate these sex differences in CR participation with a focus on automatic CR referral, female-only CR programming, and hybrid CR. Finally, we outline knowledge gaps and areas of future research to minimize and prevent sex differences in CR programming.

New Formula to Predict Heart Rate at Anaerobic Threshold That Considers the Effects of β-Blockers in Patients With Myocardial Infarction: MULTI-INSTITUTIONAL RETROSPECTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

PURPOSE

It is recommended that patients with myocardial infarction (MI) be prescribed exercise by target heart rate (HR) at the anaerobic threshold (AT) via cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX). Although percent HR reserve using predicted HRmax (%HRRpred) is used to prescribe exercise if CPX or an exercise test cannot be performed, %HRRpred is especially difficult to use when patients take β-blockers. We devised a new formula to predict HR at AT (HRAT) that considers β-blocker effects in MI patients and validated its accuracy.

METHODS

The new formula was created using the data of 196 MI patients in our hospital (derivation sample), and its accuracy was assessed using the data of 71 MI patients in other hospitals (validation sample). All patients underwent CPX 1 mo after MI onset, and resting HR, resting systolic blood pressure (SBP), and HRAT were measured during CPX.

RESULTS

The results of multiple regression analysis in the derivation sample gave the following formula (R2 = 0.605, P < .001): predicted HRAT = 2.035 × (≥65 yr:-1, <65 yr:1) + 3.648 × (body mass index <18.5 kg/m2:-1, body mass index ≥18.5 kg/m2:1) + 4.284 × (β1-blocker(+):-1, β1-blocker(-):1) + 0.734 × (HRrest) + 0.078 × (SBPrest) + 36.812. This formula consists entirely of predictors that can be obtained at rest. HRAT and predicted HRAT with the new formula were not significantly different in the validation sample (mean absolute error: 5.5 ± 4.1 bpm).

CONCLUSIONS

The accuracy of the new formula appeared to be favorable. This new formula may be a practical method for exercise prescription in MI patients, regardless of their β-blocker treatment status, if CPX is unavailable.

Kurort Health Walking Preferentially Decreases Higher Blood Pressure and Improves Mood

Background:Kurort is a German term from the words kur (cure) and ort (area), and refers to improvements in patients’ health in areas full of nature. We investigated the effect of kurort health walking in the 2 urban-style kurort health walking courses opened in Gifu City on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate, and mood.

Methods and Results: The subjects were 454 people (136 males, 318 females; mean [±SD] age 61.7±9.9 years) taking part in kurort health walking for the first time. SBP, DBP, and heart rate were measured before and after kurort health walking. Mood was assessed using a 10-item checklist after kurort health walking. Kurort health walking significantly decreased SBP and DBP and increased heart rate. The decrease in SBP was significantly greater in the SBP ≥140 than <140 mmHg group, indicating that SBP before Kurort health walking was inversely correlated with the change in SBP. Similarly, the decrease in DBP was significantly greater in the DBP ≥90 than <90 mmHg group, indicating that DBP before kurort health walking was also inversely correlated with the change in DBP. All 10 items on the mood assessment were significantly improved after kurort health walking.

Conclusions:Kurort health walking preferentially decreases higher blood pressure and improves mood.

Referral and participation in cardiac rehabilitation of patients following acute coronary syndrome; lessons learned

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has shown to reduce mortality, readmissions, and improve quality of life. CR is recommended by international guidelines but previous studies have shown low participation rates. Systematic CR referral might improve CR participation.

METHODS

The present study evaluates CR referral and CR participation of patients hospitalized for ACS in 2017 and treated according to local protocol, which includes systematic CR referral. Participation rate was divided into a group that finished the CR program and drop outs. In addition, factors associated with CR referral and participation rate were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 469 patients eligible for CR were included in the study, of which 377 (80%) were referred for CR and 353 (75%) participated in CR. Ninety percent of participants completed the CR program. Factors independently associated with CR referral included age (50-60 year vs. > 70 year: odds ratio [OR] 4.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.98-11.2), diagnosis (ST-elevation myocardial infarction vs. unstable angina: OR 17.7, CI 7.59-41.7), previous cardiovascular disease (OR 0.4, CI 0.19-0.73) and left ventricular dysfunction vs. normal function (OR 2.2, CI 1.11-4.52). A larger distance to the CR center was associated with lower CR participation (<5km vs. > 20 km: OR 3.1, CI 1.20-7.72).

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic CR referral in ACS patients results in high CR referral (80%) and participation (75%) rates. CR adherence might be further improved by increasing CR referral, especially in older patients and patients with NSTEMI or unstable angina.

[Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Airway Diseases]

Pulmonary rehabilitation of asthma and COPD patients can improve their physical performance and quality of life, maintain participation in social and professional life and actively promote self-help. In addition, the resources for acute medical treatment can be spared. In case of COPD, rehabilitation directly after exacerbation can also improve the poor survival prognosis and reduce the risk of emergency hospital readmission. Therefore, pulmonary rehabilitation is an essential component of evidence-based long-term management of both bronchial asthma and, in particular, COPD. In the German healthcare system, however, pneumological rehabilitation is offered only for a small fraction of patients. Despite a very good evidence of pulmonary rehabilitation, especially in COPD patients, their share in all rehabilitation services is remarkably low. It does not even amount to 3 % of all medical rehabilitation measures approved by the German Pension Insurance.

Prognostic effects of cardiovascular rehabilitation: facts and myths

Since CR was introduced, studies have been carried out to discover the effect of CRHPs on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and on heart-disease patients' quality of life. The first meta-analyses showed improvement in cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, although the studies were conducted in the coronary pre-reperfusion era, before the generalized use in secondary prevention of drugs such as statins, beta-blockers, or renin-angiotensin-system inhibitors, which have produced a decrease in cardiovascular mortality. In Europe, analyzing 25 studies with more than 200,000 patients. It concluded that, in spite of the great heterogeneity of the programs, CR clearly decreases mortality after ACS. Nevertheless, a strategy of CRHP standardization and evaluation is needed. In 2017, a study was carried out in our hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of multidisciplinary CRHP intervention on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, recurrence of cardiovascular events, the control of RFCV and lifestyle changes in patients after ACS. A total of 442 patients were included who had presented an acute cardiovascular event in the previous six months; 306 patients from the CR group and 136 others with standard cardiology follow-up were used as controls. 405 patients completed follow-up for a median of 60 months. Compared to the usual treatments in cardiology, the patients who underwent CRHPs presented fewer readmissions for cardiovascular reasons (17% vs. 43.38%, P<0.001), fewer major cardiovascular events (11.9% vs. 27.2%, P<0.001) and new revascularizations (9.3% vs. 21.32%, P=0.001), with lower cardiovascular mortality (0 vs. 2.2%, P=0.014). It also led to better control of the RFCV (66% vs. 19.85%, P<0.001) and favored lifestyle changes in these patients (91% vs. 61%, P<0.001). Therefore, in our setting, the performance of CRHPs was shown to be effective in reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and in the secondary prevention of coronary patients.

Current Status and Effect of Outpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Japan

Background: Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been reported to be associated with better clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular diseases, there are few nationwide studies about CR participation by patients with coronary artery disease in Japan.

Methods and Results: We performed a nationwide retrospective cohort study using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan between April 2014 and March 2018. Patients were divided into 2 groups (acute coronary syndrome [ACS] and stable coronary artery disease [sCAD]), and the rates of participation in in- and outpatient CR after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were investigated. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed and the association between outpatient CR participation and all-cause mortality 3 months after PCI was examined. Overall, 616,664 patients (ACS, n=202,853; sCAD, n=413,811) were analyzed. The participation rates of CR increased annually. The participation rate was higher for inpatient than outpatient CR in both the ACS (52% vs. 9%, respectively) and sCAD (15% vs. 3%, respectively) groups. Prognosis was better for patients with than without outpatient CR in both the ACS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.59) and sCAD (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.65–0.80) groups.

Conclusions: Outpatient CR was associated with a better prognosis in patients with ACS or sCAD. The participation rates of outpatient CR following PCI were extremely low in Japan.

Taking no for an answer. Nurses' consultations with people with cardiac disease about rehabilitation: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Research shows that many people with cardiac disease decline cardiac rehabilitation. There is little or no knowledge on how health professionals respond to these people.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate how nurses respond to people who do not wish to participate in cardiac rehabilitation and what influences the nurses´ approach towards these people.

DESIGN

A qualitative study involving interviews and video-recordings using an analysis inspired by ethnographic principles and categorisation theory.

SETTING

A rehabilitation clinic at a large hospital in the Capital Region of Denmark.

PARTICIPANTS

Five cardiac nurses and 28 people with cardiac disease.

METHODS

We video-recorded the first consultation people with cardiac disease attended regarding cardiac rehabilitation, where the nurses followed up on these people's recovery, medication, lifestyle and need for rehabilitation. We conducted semi-structured interviews with the cardiac nurses. We asked the nurses about the purpose of the first rehabilitation consultation and how they handle people with cardiac disease who say no to rehabilitation. The nurses were shown video-clips with the people they had talked to in their consultation in order to facilitate a dialogue.

RESULTS

When people with cardiac disease were reluctant to participate in rehabilitation, the nurses made an individual assessment of how much effort to put into motivating them, taking a complex range of factors into account. The effort among the nurses towards people with cardiac disease who decline rehabilitation was smaller in cases when the nurses believed an individual would benefit less from rehabilitation or have difficulty participating. It was important for the nurses to balance their motivational efforts with showing respect for people's autonomy.

CONCLUSION

Even when nurses endorse rehabilitation, some people with cardiac disease decline rehabilitation. The nurses' recommendation of the rehabilitation programme is influenced by the knowledge they obtain about the people with cardiac disease during consultations.

Multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation and Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Heart Failure

Background:

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves health-related quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with heart failure (HF). However, CR efficacy in patients with HF who are elderly, frail, or have HF with preserved ejection fraction remains unclear. We examined whether participation in multidisciplinary outpatient CR is associated with long-term survival and rehospitalization in patients with HF, with subgroup analysis by age, sex, comorbidities, frailty, and HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Methods:

This multicenter retrospective cohort study was performed in patients hospitalized for acute HF at 15 hospitals in Japan, 2007 to 2016. The primary outcome (composite of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization after discharge) and secondary outcomes (all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization) were analyzed in outpatient CR program participants versus nonparticipants.

Results:

Of the 3277 patients, 26% (862) participated in outpatient CR. After propensity matching for potential confounders, 1592 patients were included (n=796 pairs), of which 511 had composite outcomes (223 [14%] all-cause deaths and 392 [25%] HF rehospitalizations, median 2.4-year follow-up). Hazard ratios associated with CR participation were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.65–0.92) for composite outcome, 0.67 (95% CI, 0.51–0.87) for all-cause mortality, and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.67–0.99) for HF-related rehospitalization. CR participation was also associated with numerically lower rates of composite outcome in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction or frail patients.

Conclusions:

Outpatient CR participation was associated with substantial prognostic benefit in a large HF cohort regardless of age, sex, comorbidities, frailty, and HF with preserved ejection fraction.

Underutilization of Hospital-based Cardiac Rehabilitation after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Korea

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is recommended as a mandatory intervention in several national clinical practice guidelines published in America, Europe, and Korea to reduce recurrence and mortality. However, underutilization of CR is an established worldwide issue. In Korea, the promotion of CR is expected due to coverage by National Health Insurance. Nevertheless, the national status of CR use has not been reported. This retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the current status of CR use in patients with AMI using nationwide data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea.

METHODS

Patients with AMI admitted with the diagnosis of 'I21' code (from International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, Clinical Modification) from July 1st, 2017 to June 30th, 2018 were included. CR use was defined as CR treatment or evaluation being performed during an outpatient follow-up period within 6 months after discharge. Participation rate and density were calculated nationally and by administrative division. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the influencing factors of CR participation.

RESULTS

Nationally, 1.5% of AMI patients (960/64,982) underwent CR during outpatient treatment after discharge. CR density was approximately 10. Logistic regression analysis revealed that influencing factors included old age, female sex, rural residence, and low Charlson comorbidity index.

CONCLUSION

Hospital-based CR after AMI is underutilized despite its coverage by the National Health Insurance. More CR facilities have to be installed according to the needs of CR in various regions.

Usefulness of 500-m walk electrocardiogram test on clinical outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

The current Japanese guideline for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) recommends 500-m walk electrocardiogram (ECG) test for patients with STEMI during hospitalization. However, little is known regarding the association between acute phase 500-m walk ECG test and clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between 500-m walk ECG test and mid-term clinical outcomes in patients with STEMI. A total of 313 STEMI patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions were included, and were divided into the successful 500-m group (n = 263) and the unsuccessful 500-m group (n = 50). The primary endpoint was the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), which were defined as the composite of all cause death, acute myocardial infarction, readmission for heart failure, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization (TVR). During the follow-up period (median 223 days), a total of 55 MACE were observed. The log-rank test revealed that MACE, all cause death, readmission for heart failure, and ischemia-driven TVR were more frequently observed in the unsuccessful 500-m group than the successful 500-m group. In the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, the unsuccessful 500-m walk ECG test was significantly associated with MACE (OR 5.62, 95% CI 3.08-10.08, P < 0.01) after controlling confounding factors such as age, and serum creatinine levels. In conclusion, the unsuccessful 500-m walk ECG test was significantly associated with poor mid-term outcomes in patients with STEMI. Our results suggest the usefulness of 500-m walk ECG test to stratify the high-risk group from patients with STEMI.

Abnormalities of Skeletal Muscle, Adipocyte Tissue, and Lipid Metabolism in Heart Failure: Practical Therapeutic Targets

Chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF), are often accompanied with skeletal muscle abnormalities in both quality and quantity, which are the major cause of impairment of the activities of daily living and quality of life. We have shown that skeletal muscle abnormalities are a hallmark of HF, in which metabolic pathways involving phosphocreatine and fatty acids are largely affected. Not only in HF, but the dysfunction of fatty acid metabolism may also occur in many chronic diseases, such as arteriosclerosis, as well as through insufficient physical exercise. Decreased fatty acid catabolism affects adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mitochondria, via decreased activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle; and may cause abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue accompanied with hyperoxidation and ectopic lipid deposition. Such impairments of lipid metabolism are in turn detrimental to skeletal muscle, which is hence a chicken-and-egg problem between skeletal muscle and HF. In this review, we first discuss skeletal muscle abnormalities in HF, including sarcopenia; particularly their association with lipid metabolism and adipose tissue. On the other hand, the precise mechanisms involved in metabolic reprogramming and dysfunction are beginning to be understood, and an imbalance of daily nutritional intake of individuals has been found to be a causative factor for the development and worsening of HF. Physical exercise has long been known to be beneficial for the prevention and even treatment of HF. Again, the molecular mechanisms by which exercise promotes skeletal muscle as well as cardiac muscle functions are being clarified by recent studies. We propose that it is now the time to develop more “natural” methods to prevent and treat HF, rather than merely relying on drugs and medical interventions. Further analysis of the basic design of and molecular mechanisms involved in the human body, particularly the inextricable association between physical exercise and the integrity and functional plasticity of skeletal and cardiac muscles is required.

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.

Association of Cardiac Rehabilitation With Survival Among US Veterans

IMPORTANCE

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs at Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities is low. Most veterans receive CR through purchased care at non-VA programs. However, limited literature exists on the comparison of outcomes between VA and non-VA CR programs.

OBJECTIVE

To compare 1-year mortality and 1-year readmission rates for myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization between VA vs non-VA CR participants.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study included 7320 patients hospitalized for myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization at the VA between 2010 and 2014 who did not die within 30 days of discharge and who participated in 2 or more CR sessions after discharge. The study excluded individuals hospitalized for ischemic heart disease after December 2014 when the VA Choice Act changed referral criteria for non-VA care. Data analysis was performed from November 2019 to January 2020.

EXPOSURES

Participation in 2 or more CR sessions within 12 months of discharge at a VA or non-VA facility.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The 1-year all-cause mortality and 1-year readmission rates for myocardial infarction or coronary revascularization from date of discharge were compared between VA vs non-VA CR participants using Cox proportional hazards models with inverse probability treatment weighting.

RESULTS

The 7320 veterans with ischemic heart disease who participated in CR programs had a mean (SD) age of 65.13 (8.17) years and were predominantly white (6005 patients [82.0%]), non-Hispanic (6642 patients [91.0%]), and male (7191 patients [98.2%]). Among these 7320 veterans, 2921 (39.9%) attended a VA facility, and 4399 (60.1%) attended a non-VA CR facility. Black and Hispanic veterans were more likely to attend CR programs at VA facilities (509 patients [17.4%] and 378 patients [12.9%], respectively), whereas white veterans were more likely to attend CR programs at non-VA facilities (3759 patients [85.5%]). After inverse probability treatment weighting, rates of 1-year mortality were 1.7% among VA CR participants vs 1.3% among non-VA CR participants (hazard ratio, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.90-1.94; P = .15). Rates of readmission for myocardial infarction or revascularization during the 12 months after discharge were 4.9% among VA CR participants vs 4.4% among non-VA CR participants (hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.83-1.35; P = .62).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

These findings suggest that rates of 1-year mortality and 1-year readmission for myocardial infarction or revascularization did not differ for participants in VA vs non-VA cardiac rehabilitation programs. Eligible patients with ischemic heart disease should participate in CR programs regardless of where they are provided.

The Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Reducing Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Heart Transplant Patients

BACKGROUND

Methods for reducing major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients after heart transplantation (HTx) are critical for long-term quality outcomes.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Patients with cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to HTx and at least 1 session of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after HTx were included. Exercise sessions were evaluated as ≥ 23 or < 23 sessions based on recursive partitioning. We included 140 patients who had undergone HTx (women: n = 41 (29%), age: 52 ± 12 years, body mass index: 27 ± 5 kg/m²). Mean follow-up was 4.1 ± 2.7 years, and 44 patients (31%) had a MACE: stroke (n = 1), percutaneous intervention (n = 5), heart failure (n = 6), myocardial infarction (n = 1), rejection (n = 16), or death (n = 15). CR was a significant predictor of MACE, with ≥ 23 sessions associated with a ∼ 60% reduction in MACE risk (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19-0.94, P = 0.035). This remained after adjusting for age, sex and history of diabetes (HR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.18-0.94, P = 0.035) as well as body mass index and pre-HTx peak oxygen consumption (HR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18-0.92, P = 0.031).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjustment for covariates of age, sex, diabetes, body mass index, and pre-HTx peak oxygen consumption, CR attendance of ≥ 23 exercise sessions was predictive of lower MACE risk following HTx. In post-HTx patients, CR was associated with MACE prevention and should be viewed as a critical tool in post-HTx treatment strategies.

Sex differences in psychosocial and cardiometabolic health among patients completing cardiac rehabilitation

Current programs of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) typically provide a standardized approach to all patients. We examined whether CR would produce similar improvements in psychosocial and cardiometabolic health indicators in women compared with men. The records of patients who completed a 3-month outpatient CR program were examined. We compared health-related quality of life (i.e., Physical Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores), anxiety, depression, and cardiometabolic health indicators between women and men completing CR. Of the 591 participants who completed CR, 155 (26.2%) were women and 436 (73.8%) were men. At baseline, women were older (64 ± 9 vs. 62 ± 9 years, p = 0.045), had lower PCS (39.5 ± 8.1 vs. 43.9 ± 7.8 points, p < 0.001), and MCS (46.6 ± 10.8 vs. 49.4 ± 9.8 points, p = 0.003) scores, experienced elevated levels of anxiety (6.4 ± 4.0 vs. 5.2 ± 4.0 points, p = 0.001) and depression (4.7 ± 3.5 vs. 3.6 ± 3.3 points, p = 0.001), and had higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (2.1 ± 0.9 vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.4 ± 0.4 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L, p < 0.001) concentrations when compared with men. Following CR, women showed smaller improvements in percent body mass (+1.1% ± 10.1% vs. −2.1% ± 9.7%, p = 0.002) and PCS scores (3.0 ± 8.1 vs. 6.3 ± 7.5 points, p < 0.001) when compared with men. Considering poorer psychosocial health at baseline and smaller improvements in health-related quality of life in women when compared with men, more specific CR strategies addressing the particular needs of women are required to improve their health status and reduce the risk of secondary cardiac events.

Cardiac Rehabilitation for Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: 2019 Update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide updated information on the science and practice of cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

RECENT FINDINGS

Evidence continues to mount that supports the many benefits of CR as well as the important gap in delivering CR to all eligible patients. Recent studies have identified center-based and home-based strategies to improve the reach and impact of CR. Cardiac rehabilitation is a systematic, evidence-based approach to deliver effective secondary CVD preventive therapies to individuals with cardiovascular conditions. Because of a number of benefits that have been associated with CR, clinical practice guidelines strongly endorse CR services for eligible patients. Research supports CR as a high value service, with evidence of favorable clinical outcomes and costs. Unfortunately, a significant gap exists in CR participation due to a number of patient-, provider-, and system-level barriers. Solutions to most of these barriers have been identified and involve systematic approaches to CR delivery. The future is bright for CR as new strategies, new policies, and new methods of delivery continue to develop to help provide CR services to all eligible patients.

Telerehabilitation with live-feed biomedical sensor signals for patients with heart failure: a pilot study

Background

Integrating biomedical sensors to a telerehabilitation platform allowed clinicians to receive real-time transmissions of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal, oxygen saturation, and heart rate during an exercise program. These clinical data could be helpful to adjust and personalize the intensity of exercises to each patient's condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and usefulness of biomedical sensors in telerehabilitation in patients with heart failure (HF).

Methods

Four participants with HF (mean age 66 years) followed the 12-week cardiac program using telerehabilitation, including sensors to monitor real-time vital signs during sessions. The exercise program included cardiovascular, strengthening and flexibility exercises. Participants were evaluated before the intervention and one month after the end of the program. Functional capacity was measured with Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPX), the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the sit to stand test (STST). Quality of life was objectified using the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ).

Results

Our main objective demonstrated that real-time biomedical sensors can be safely used by clinicians during a telerehabilitation session. Most participants showed a tendency to improve their physical capacities such as walking distance and lower limb muscular strength. As a main outcome of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), quality of life seems to improve after the 12-week intervention.

Conclusions

This study proved the feasibility of using telerehabilitation with real-time biomedical sensors as an alternative or a complement to the conventional CR program. Use of sensors allowed a safe environment for the patient and an adequate and personalized exercise prescription. Limitation in one-to-one supervision must be challenged in future clinical trials to demonstrate that telerehabilitation could be efficient for cardiac patients requiring more individual supervision than group sessions in a gymnasium.

Effects of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) has become an important cause of death from cardiovascular disease. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays an essential role in ACS patients after treatment. Therefore, in order to detect the impact of CR on mortality and major adverse cardiac events in patients with ACS, we conducted this meta-analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of science, and EMBASE databases to obtain published research results from 2010 to August 2018 to determine the relevant research. Random-effects model or fixed-effects model were used to calculate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS Overall, a total of 25 studies with 55 035 participants were summarized in our meta-analysis. The results indicated that the hazard ratio (HR) of mortality significantly lower in the CR group than in the non-CR group (HR=-0.47; 95% CI=(-0.56 to -0.39; P<0.05). Fourteen studies on mortality rate showed exercise was associated with reduced cardiac death rates (RR=0.40; 95% CI=0.30 to 0.53; P<0.05). We found the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was lower in the rehabilitation group (RR=0.49; 95% CI=0.44 to 0.55; P<0.05). In 11 articles on CR including 8098 participants, the benefit in the CR group was greater than in the control group concerning revascularization (RR=0.69, 95% CI: 0.53 to 0.88; P=0.003). The recurrence rate of MI was reported in 13 studies, and the risk was lower in the CR group (RR=0.63, 95% CI: 0.57-0.70; P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our meta-analysis results suggest that CR is clearly associated with reductions in cardiac mortality, recurrence of MI, repeated PCI, CABG, and restenosis.

To what extent is the variation in cardiac rehabilitation quality associated with patient characteristics?

BACKGROUND

Huge variability in quality of service delivery of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in the UK. This study aimed to ascertain whether the variation in quality of CR delivery is associated with participants' characteristics.

METHODS

Individual patient data from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 were collected electronically from the UK's National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation database. Quality of CR delivery is categorised as low, middle, and high based on six service-level criteria. The study included a range of patient variables: patient demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, comorbidities, physical and psychosocial health measures, and index of multiple deprivation.

RESULTS

The chance that a CR patient with more comorbidities attended a high-quality programme was 2.13 and 1.85 times higher than the chance that the same patient attended a low- or middle-quality programme, respectively. Patients who participated in high-quality CR programmes tended to be at high risk (e.g. increased waist size and high blood pressure); high BMI, low physical activity levels and high Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores; and were more likely to be smokers, and be in more socially deprived groups than patients in low-quality programmes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings show that the quality of CR delivery can be improved and meet national standards by serving a more multi-morbid population which is important for patients, health providers and commissioners of healthcare. In order for low-quality programmes to meet clinical standards, CR services need to be more inclusive in respect of patients' characteristics identified in the study. Evaluation and dissemination of information about the populations served by CR programmes may help low-quality programmes to be more inclusive.

Cardiac Rehabilitation With Dynamic Exercise Increases the Number of Muse Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Patients With Heart Disease

Background: It is still unclear whether dynamic exercise increases the number of Muse cells, pluripotent stem cells, in the peripheral blood.

Methods and Results: The number of Muse cells, SSEA3⁺ and CD105⁺ double-positive cells, in the peripheral blood was measured using FACS before and after 40 min of cardiac rehabilitation with dynamic exercise in 6 patients with heart disease. The number of Muse cells significantly increased after cardiac rehabilitation in all patients. Muse cell mobilization may be related to the beneficial clinical outcome of cardiac rehabilitation.

Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation increases the number of Muse cells in the peripheral blood.

Effects of Ivabradine on Left Ventricular Systolic Function and Cardiac Fibrosis in Rat Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Model

We evaluated the effects of Ivabradine on left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction (EF) and LV infarcted tissue in the rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model. Twenty rats were randomly assigned to group 1 (ischemia-reperfusion, no treatment, n=10) and group 2 (ischemia-reperfusion + Ivabradine 10 mg/kg, n=10). Ivabradine was administered for 28 days. Echocardiography was performed at 7 days and at 28 days after the induction of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Cardiac fibrosis induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury was evaluated by Masson's trichrome staining. The infarct size was quantified using the Image J program. At the 28-day follow-up, LVEF was significantly higher (36.02±6.16% vs. 45.72±2.62%, p<0.001) and fractional shortening was significantly higher (15.23±2.84% vs. 20.13±1.38%, p<0.001) in group 2 than group 1. Delta (28 day minus 7 day) EF was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (-4.36±3.49% vs. 4.31±5.63%, p<0.001). Also, heart rate (beats/min) was significantly lower in group 2 than group 1 (251.67±25.19 vs. 199.29±31.33, p=0.025). Group 2 had a smaller infarct size (40.70±8.94% vs. 30.19±5.89%, p<0.01) than group 1 at 28-day follow-up. Oral administration of Ivabradine could improve LV systolic function and reduce infarcted tissue area in rat myocardial ischemia-reperfusion model.

Tailored nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation after myocardial infarction results in better risk factor control at one year compared to traditional care: a retrospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation improves prognosis after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), however, the optimal method of implementation is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of individually-tailored, nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation on patient outcomes.

METHOD

This single-centre retrospective observational study included 217 patients (62 ± 9 years, 73% men). All patients attended cardiac rehabilitation including at least two follow-up consultations with a nurse. Patients receiving traditional care (n = 105) had a routine cardiologist consultation, while for those receiving tailored care (n = 112) their need for a cardiologist consultation was individually evaluated by the nurses. Regression analysis was used to analyse risk factor control and hospital readmissions at one year.

RESULTS

Patients in the tailored group achieved better control of total cholesterol (- 0.1 vs + 0.4 mmol/L change between baseline (time of index event) and 12-14-month follow-up, (p = 0.01), LDL cholesterol (- 0.1 vs + 0.2 mmol/L, p = 0.02) and systolic blood pressure (- 2.1 vs + 4.3 mmHg, p = 0.01). Active smokers, at baseline, were more often smoke-free at one-year in the tailored group [OR 0.32 (0.1-1.0), p = 0.05]. There was a no significant difference in re-admissions during the first year of follow-up. In the tailored group 60% of the patients had a cardiologist consultation compared to 98% in the traditional group (p < 0.001). The number of nurse visits was the same in both groups, while the number of telephone contacts was 38% higher in the tailored group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

A tailored, nurse-led cardiac rehabilitation programme can improve risk factor management in post-AMI patients.

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.

Effects of a 12-week mHealth program on peak VO2 and physical activity patterns after completing cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Site-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provides supervised exercise, education and motivation for patients. Graduates of CR have improved exercise tolerance. However, when participation in CR ceases, adherence to regular physical activity often declines, consequently leading to worsening risk factors and clinical events. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate if a mHealth program could sustain the fitness and physical activity levels gained during CR.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A 12-week mHealth program was implemented using physical activity trackers and health coaching. Twenty-five patients were randomized into mHealth or usual care after completing CR. The combination of a 4.7±13.8% increase in the mHealth and a 8.5±11.5% decrease in the usual care group resulted in a difference between groups (P≤.05) for absolute peak VO₂. Usual care decreased the amount of moderate-low physical activity minutes per week (117±78 vs 50±53; P<.05) as well as moderate-high (111±87 vs 65±64; P<.05). mHealth increased moderate-high physical activity (138±113 vs 159±156; NS). The divergent changes between mHealth and usual care in moderate-high physical activity minutes/week resulted in a difference between groups (21±103 vs - 46±36; P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-week mHealth program of physical activity trackers and health coaching following CR graduation can sustain the gains in peak VO₂ and physical activity achieved by site-based CR.

Sex and Racial Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation Referral at Hospital Discharge and Gaps in Long-Term Mortality

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) referral is recommended for eligible patients, regardless of sex or race. It is unclear whether inequality in CR referral practices was associated with patients’ long‐term survival.

Methods and Results

We linked the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines Coronary Artery Disease registry with Medicare claims data for 48 993 coronary artery disease patients from 365 hospitals across the United States between 2003 and 2009. We used generalized estimation equations to estimate the association between CR referral and mortality accounting for clustering within hospitals. Between 2003 and 2009, only 40% of eligible patients received CR referrals. Females were 12% less likely to receive CR referral compared with males. Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients were 20%, 36%, and 50% less likely, respectively, to receive CR referral than white patients. CR referral was associated with 40% lower 3‐year all‐cause mortality. Women and minorities who received CR referral at hospital discharge had significantly lower mortality compared with those who did not (odds ratios=0.61 [95% confidence interval, 0.56–0.66] for women, 0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.63–0.88] for black, 0.62 [95% confidence interval, 0.50–0.79] for Hispanic, and 0.63 [95% confidence interval, 0.46–0.85] for Asian patients). Seven percent of the black versus white mortality gap could potentially be reduced by equitable CR referral.

Conclusions

CR referral rates at hospital discharge remained low. Gaps in receiving CR referral at hospital discharge were large for women and minorities, and the mortality gap could potentially be reduced through elimination of inequality in CR referral.

Clinical outcomes after acute myocardial infarction according to a novel stratification system linked to a rehabilitation program

BACKGROUND

A risk classification of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) linked to a rehabilitation program has not been established.

METHODS

We allocated 292 patients with AMI into the low- (L) (n=108), intermediate- (I) (n=72), and high- (H) (n=112) risk groups according to our original risk classification. The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as the composite of cardiac death, non-fatal AMI, stent thrombosis, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization. The mean follow-up period was 252 days.

RESULTS

The length of coronary care unit (CCU) stay and hospital stay was shortest in the L-risk group (CCU stay, 1.0±1.0 days; hospital stay, 5.6±3.2 days), followed by the I-risk group (CCU stay, 2.3±1.8 days; hospital stay, 8.1±2.7 days), and longest in the H-risk group (CCU stay, 5.1±5.0 days; hospital stay, 14.6±12.6 days) (p<0.001). MACE were most frequently observed in the H-risk group (26.8%), followed by the I-risk group (5.6%), and least in the L-risk group (1.9%) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The lengths of hospital stay and CCU stay were significantly shortest in the L-risk group, followed by the I-risk group, and longest in the H-risk group. MACE were most frequently observed in the H-risk group, followed by the I-risk group, and least in the L-risk group. These results support the validity of our new classification system.

The utility of personal activity trackers (Fitbit Charge 2) on exercise capacity in patients post acute coronary syndrome [UP-STEP ACS Trial]: a randomised controlled trial protocol

Background

The benefits of physical activity and cardiovascular rehabilitation on the reduction of cardiovascular risk are well documented. Despite this, significant barriers and challenges remain in optimizing patient risk factors post acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and ensuring patient compliance. Consumer wearable personal activity trackers represent a cost effective and readily available technology that may aid in this endeavour.

Methods

UP-STEP ACS is a prospective single-blinded, two-arm, parallel, randomized control trial with an aim to enrol 200 patients all undertaking cardiac rehabilitation. It will assess the affect that personal activity monitors have on change in exercise capacity in patients post acute coronary syndromes primarily measured by a six-minute walk test (6MWT). Secondary end points will be the improvement in other cardiovascular risk factors, namely; blood lipid and glucose levels, weight, waist circumference, along with mood, quality of life and cardiac rehabilitation adherence. Patients will be randomized to either receive a personal activity tracker or standard post hospital care during their index event. After the 8- week intervention period, patients will return for a clinical review and repeat of baseline assessments including the 6MWT.

Discussion

The utility and impact on exercise capacity of personal activity trackers in patient’s post-acute coronary syndrome has not been assessed. This study aims to add to the scientific evidence emerging regarding the clinical utility and validity of these devices in different patient population groups. If proven to be of benefit, these devices represent a cost effective, easily accessible technology that could aid in the reduction of cardiovascular events.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR). The registration number is ACTRN12617000312347 (28/02/2017).

Disparities in Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in the United States: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

PURPOSE

Phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class I recommendation for all patients following an acute cardiac event or cardiac surgery according to the The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology Foundation. Studies have shown that there are differences in cardiac rehabilitation participation rates between sociodemographic groups. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to synthesize quantitative data on the relationship between outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (OCR) attendance and various sociodemographic factors.

METHODS

We conducted a search of PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Dissertations & Theses A&I, and conference abstracts for observational studies conducted in the United States that fit our inclusion criteria. A total of 21 studies were included in our final review and meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Our meta-analyses showed that overall, attenders were younger than nonattenders (mean difference=-3.74 years, 95% CI =-5.87 to -1.61) and the odds of participation were lower among females (OR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.51-0.69), individuals with a high school degree or less (OR = 0.67; 95% CI = 0.50-0.91), and the uninsured or self-payers (OR = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.14-0.71). Full- or part-time employees were more likely to participate than those not employed (OR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.08-1.95).

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review and meta-analyses showed that there are significant sociodemographic disparities in CR participation. On the basis of this knowledge, clinicians and policy makers should focus on identifying and eliminating barriers to participation.

Stroke Prevention Rehabilitation Intervention Trial of Exercise (SPRITE) - a randomised feasibility study

BACKGROUND

The value of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is untested despite these conditions sharing similar pathology and risk factors to coronary heart disease. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of conducting a trial of an adapted home-based CR programme, 'The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual', for patients following a TIA/minor stroke, participants' views on the intervention and, to identify the behaviour change techniques (BCTs) used.

METHODS

Clinicians were asked to identify patients attending the Ulster Hospital, Belfast within 4 weeks of a first TIA or minor stroke. Those who agreed to participate underwent assessments of physical fitness, cardiovascular risk, quality of life and mental health, before random allocation to: Group (1) standard/usual care; (2) rehabilitation manual or (3) manual plus pedometer. All participants received telephone support at 1 and 4 weeks, reassessment at 6 weeks and an invitation to a focus group exploring views regarding the study. Two trained review authors independently assessed the manual to identify the BCTs used.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients were invited to participate, with 15 (10 men, 5 women; 9 TIA, 6 minor stroke; mean age 69 years) consenting and completing the study. Mean time to enrolment from the TIA/stroke was 20.5 days. Participants completed all assessment measures except VO2max testing, which all declined. The manual and telephone contact were viewed positively, as credible sources of advice. Pedometers were valued highly, particularly for goal-setting. Overall, 36 individual BCTs were used, the commonest being centred around setting goals and planning as well as social support.

CONCLUSION

Recruitment and retention rates suggest that a trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel home-based CR programme, implemented within 4 weeks of a first TIA/minor stroke is feasible. The commonest BCTs used within the manual revolve around goals, planning and social support, in keeping with UK national guidelines. The findings from this feasibility work have been used to further refine the next stage of the intervention's development, a pilot study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02712385 . This study was registered prospectively on 18/03/2016.

Benefits of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

BACKGROUND

Participation in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an essential component of care for patients with coronary artery disease. However, little is known about its benefit on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) who have undergone percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of CR in this high-risk group of patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients with DM who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention in Olmsted County (Minnesota) between 1994 and 2010, assessing the impact of CR participation on clinical outcomes. CR participation was significantly lower in patients with DM (38%, 263/700) compared with those who did not have DM (45%, 1071/2379; P=0.004). Using propensity score adjustment, we found that in patients with DM, CR participation was associated with significantly reduced all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.56; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.80; P=0.002) and composite end point of mortality, myocardial infarction, or revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.60-0.98; P=0.037), during a median follow-up of 8.1 years. In patients without DM, CR participation was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.82; P<0.001) and cardiac mortality (hazard ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.47-0.95; P=0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

CR participation after percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with lower all-cause mortality rates in patients with DM, to a similar degree as for those without DM. However, CR participation was lower in patients with DM, suggesting the need to identify and correct the barriers to CR participation for this higher-risk group of patients.

CHA2DS2-VASc score and exercise capacity of patients with coronary artery disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation programs

BACKGROUND

Exercise based cardiac rehabilitation improves prognosis and quality of life in patients with coronary artery disease. We aimed to investigate whether the CHA2DS2-VASc score may be a predictor of improvement in exercise capacity in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients participating in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

METHODS

Included were patients following a hospital admission due to ACS and were subsequently referred for an exercise based cardiac rehabilitation during 2010-2015. Participants were divided into three groups of low (1-2), intermediate (3) and high (4≤) CHA2DS2-VASc score. Exercise capacity was evaluated by a treadmill stress test at baseline and following 9 months. The primary endpoint was the percent of patients who achieved at least 25% improvement in exercise capacity.

RESULTS

The 597 patients included in the study had a mean age of 65.5±9.3 years and consisted of 22.5% women. The primary endpoint of at least 25% improvement in exercise capacity following 9 months of cardiac rehabilitation occurred more frequently in patients in the high CHA2DS2-VASc group compared to the intermediate and low CHA2DS2-VASc score groups (47.3, 29.9 and 36.1% in the high, intermediate and low CHA2DS2-VASc score groups respectively, P=0.002).

CONCLUSION

The CHA2DS2-VASc score may serve as a predictor of exercise capacity improvement. Its use for tailoring specific cardiac rehabilitation programs for ACS patients may yield further improvement in functional capacity and better utilization of resources.

Digital health intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions (DHI) have been shown to improve intermediates of cardiovascular health, but their impact on cardiovascular (CV) outcomes has not been fully explored. The aim of this study was to determine whether DHI administered during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) would reduce CV-related emergency department (ED) visits and rehospitalizations in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

METHODS

We randomized patients undergoing CR following ACS and PCI to standard CR (n=40) or CR+DHI (n=40) for 3 months with 3 patients withdrawing from CR prior to initiation in the treatment arm and 6 in the control group. The DHI incorporated an online and smartphone-based CR platform asking the patients to report of dietary and exercise habits throughout CR as well as educational information toward patients' healthy lifestyles. We obtained data regarding ED visits and rehospitalizations at 180 days, as well as other metrics of secondary CV prevention at baseline and 90 days.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics were similar between the groups. The DHI+CR group had improved weight loss compared to the control group (-5.1±6.5 kg vs. -0.8±3.8 kg, respectively, P=.02). Those in the DHI+CR group also showed a non-significant reduction in CV-related rehospitalizations plus ED visits compared to the control group at 180 days (8.1% vs 26.6%; RR 0.30, 95% CI 0.08-1.10, P=.054).

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrated that complementary DHI significantly improves weight loss, and might offer a method to reduce CV-related ED visits plus rehospitalizations in patients after ACS undergoing CR. The study suggests a role for DHI as an adjunct to CR to improve secondary prevention of CV disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01883050).