Team management of heart failure: the emerging role of exercise, and implications for cardiac rehabilitation centers

Evaluation of cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity in depressed and nondepressed patients after angioplasty

Background:

About 50% of the annual deaths in the developed countries are as a result of coronary artery disease. Several studies have shown the role of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in improving cardiovascular indices including functional capacity, reducing depression, and mortality rates in cardiovascular patients. One of the psychological problems observed in cardiovascular patients is depression. Depression is one of the most important barriers to the treatment of heart attack, because it leads to denial of the disease and reduces the patient's motivation to continue treatment.

Objectives:

There are controversy information about the relationship between the effects of CR on these cases after angioplasty. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CR on functional capacity in depressed and nondepressed patients after angioplasty in patients referred to Imam Khomeini, Ahvaz.

Methods:

This descriptive epidemiological study was performed on 54 patients referred for angioplasty. Functional capacity and depression score before and after participation in the 2-month CR program were evaluated in two groups of depressed and nondepressed patients. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, and the significance level was considered as P < 0.05.

Results:

The results of this study showed that in both the groups, the functional capacity after CR was significantly increased compared with the previous period (P < 0.001). Also in depressed patients, there was a significant decrease in depression scores (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Our findings showed improvement of functional capacity index following angioplasty, suggesting that patients participating in CR can be recommended by therapists. In addition, the results of this study showed that the participation in the CR program greatly affects the improvement of functional capacity and reduction in depression in patients undergoing angioplasty.

Can a heart failure-specific cardiac rehabilitation program decrease hospitalizations and improve outcomes in high-risk patients?

BACKGROUND

Heart failure is a common and costly condition, particularly in the elderly. A range of models of interventions have shown the capacity to decrease hospitalizations and improve health-related outcomes. Potentially, cardiac rehabilitation models can also improve outcomes.

AIM

To assess the impact of a nurse-coordinated multidisciplinary, cardiac rehabilitation program to decrease hospitalizations, increase functional capacity, and meet the needs of patients with heart failure.

METHOD

In a randomized control trial, a total of 105 patients were recruited to the study. Patients in the intervention group received an individualized, multidisciplinary 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program, including an individualized exercise component tailored to functional ability and social circumstances. The control group received an information session provided by the cardiac rehabilitation coordinator and then follow-up care by either their cardiologist or general practitioner. This trial was stopped prematurely after the release of state-based guidelines and funding for heart failure programs.

RESULTS

During the study period, patients in the intervention group were less likely to have been admitted to hospital for any cause (44 vs. 69%, P = 0.01) or after a major acute coronary event (24 vs. 55%, P = 0.001). Participants in the intervention group were more likely to be alive at 12 months, (93 vs. 79%; P = 0.03) (odds ratio = 3.85; 95% confidence interval=1.03-14.42; P = 0.0042). Quality of life scores improved at 3 months compared with baseline (intervention t = o/-4.37, P<0.0001; control t = /-3.52, P<0.01). Improvement was also seen in 6-min walk times at 3 months compared with baseline in the intervention group (t = 3.40; P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study shows that a multidisciplinary heart failure cardiac rehabilitation program, including an individualized exercise component, coordinated by a specialist heart failure nurse can substantially reduce both all-cause and cardiovascular readmission rates, improve functional status at 3 months and exercise tolerance.

Addressing current challenges to cardiac rehabilitation care

Cardiac rehabilitation, the structured programming of exercise and risk reduction teaching and counseling to promote healthy living with heart disease, is grounded in a strong nurse-patient relationship. This relationship provides a foundation for meeting current healthcare challenges. Three challenges are presented and addressed through specific examples. The challenge of the changing cardiac rehabilitation population is addressed through the example of the heart failure patient. The challenge to create innovative programming is addressed through the example of the Therapeutic Rehabilitative Intensive Program, developed to meet the needs of people who live in communities without cardiac rehabilitation services. The challenge to measure outcomes is addressed through the example of choosing a blood pressure measurement method. In addressing each challenge, the role of the advanced practice nurse is described.