Cardiac Rehabilitation Is Associated With Improved Physical Function in Frail Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease

The association of frailty on cardiac rehabilitation goal achievement

Introduction

Frailty is common among patients entering cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Frailty is associated with poor health outcomes; however, it is unclear if frailty influences achieving goals in CR.

Methods

We report a secondary analysis of participants who were referred to an exercise and education-based CR program from 2005 to 2015. Frailty was measured by a 25-item accumulation of deficits frailty index (FI) ranging from 0 to 1; higher scores indicate higher frailty. Participants were categorized by admission frailty levels (FI scores: < 0.20, 0.20-0.29, 0.30-0.39, > 0.40). CR goals were determined with shared decision-making between CR staff and the patients. We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the odds of goal attainment by CR completion, adjusting for age, sex, education, marital status, and referring diagnosis. Analyses were performed using baseline frailty as a categorical and continuous outcome, and frailty change as a continuous outcome in separate models.

Results

Of 759 eligible participants (age: 59.5 ± 9.8, 24% female), 607 (80%) participants achieved a CR goal at graduation. CR goals were categorized into similar themes: control or lose weight (n = 381, 50%), improve physical activity behaviour and fitness (n = 228, 30%), and improve cardiovascular profile (n = 150, 20%). Compared to the most severe frailty group (FI >0.40), lower levels of frailty at baseline were associated with achieving a goal at CR completion [FI < 0.20: OR = 4.733 (95% CI: 2.197, 10.194), p < .001; FI 0.20-0.29: OR = 2.116 (1.269-3.528), p = .004]. Every 1% increase in the FI was associated with a 3.5% reduction in the odds of achieving a CR goal [OR = 0.965 (0.95, 0.979), p < .001]. Participants who reduced their frailty by a minimally clinically important difference of at least 0.03 (n = 209, 27.5%) were twice as likely to achieve their CR goal [OR = 2.111 (1.262, 3.532), p = .004] than participants who increased their frailty by at least 0.03 (n = 82, 10.8%). Every 1% improvement in the FI from baseline to follow up was associated with a 2.7% increase in the likelihood of CR goal achievement [OR = 1.027 (1.005, 1.048), p = .014].

Conclusion

Lower admission frailty was associated with a greater likelihood of achieving CR goals. Frailty improvements were associated with CR goal achievement, highlighting the influence of frailty on goal attainment.

Current Management of Non-ST-Segment Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome

Cardiovascular disease constitutes the leading cause of morbimortality worldwide. Non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS) is a common cardiovascular condition, closely related to the ageing population and significantly affecting survival and quality of life. The management of NSTE-ACS requires specific diagnosis and therapeutic strategies, thus highlighting the importance of a personalized approach, including tailored antithrombotic therapies and regimens, combined with timely invasive management. Moreover, specific and frequent populations in clinical practice, such as the elderly and those with chronic kidney disease, pose unique challenges in the management of NSTE-ACS due to their increased risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. In this scenario, comprehensive management strategies and multidisciplinary care are of great importance. Cardiac rehabilitation and optimal management of cardiovascular risk factors are essential elements of secondary prevention since they significantly improve prognosis. This review highlights the need for a personalized approach in the management of NSTE-ACS, especially in vulnerable populations, and emphasizes the importance of precise antithrombotic management together with tailored revascularization strategies, as well as the role of cardiac rehabilitation in NSTE-ACS patients.

Evaluation of frailty in geriatric patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac procedure: results of a prospective, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Frailty is an indicator of a decline in quality of life and functional capacity in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients. Currently, there is no standardized assessment tool for frailty used in CR. The aim of this study was to determine if the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) is feasible for assessing frailty in CR.

METHODS

Prospective, cross-sectional study within the framework of the ongoing multicenter prehabilitation study "PRECOVERY". Patients ≥75 years undergoing CR after cardiac procedure (n=122) were recruited in four German inpatient CR facilities. Assessments included: CFS, Katz-Index, hand grip strength (HGS), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and six-minute-walk test (6MWT). Outcomes were frailty (CFS≥4) and the correlation of frailty with assessments of functional capacity, activities of daily living and clinical parameters. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and correlations, using the spearman correlation coefficient and chi-square test to test for significance.

RESULTS

Data from 101 patients (79.9±4.0 years; 63% male) were analyzed. The mean CFS score was 3.2±1.4; 41.6% were defined as frail (CFS≥4). The mean time required to assess the CFS was 0.20 minutes. The findings show that CFS correlates significantly (p<0.001) with the following factors: Katz-Index, HGS, SPPB-Score and 6MWT (r≤-0.575). In addition, CFS correlated with small to moderate effects with co-morbidities (r=0.250), as-needed medications and need for nursing assistance (r≤0.248).

CONCLUSIONS

The CFS assessment can be performed in under one minute and it correlates significantly with assessments of functional capacity, activities of daily living and clinical parameters in the CR setting.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS; http:// www. drks. de; DRKS00032256). Retrospectively registered on 13 July 2023.

Virtual care during COVID-19: The perspectives of older adults and their healthcare providers in a cardiac rehabilitation setting

The present study aimed to explore the perspectives of older adults and health providers on cardiac rehabilitation care provided virtually during COVID-19. A qualitative exploratory methodology was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 older adults and 6 healthcare providers. Five themes emerged from the data: (1) Lack of emotional intimacy when receiving virtual care, (2) Inadequacy of virtual platforms, (3) Saving time with virtual care, (4) Virtual care facilitated accessibility, and (5) Loss of connections with patients and colleagues. Given that virtual care continues to be implemented, and in some instances touted as an optimal option for the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation, it is critical to address the needs of older adults living with cardiovascular disease and their healthcare providers. This is particularly crucial related to issues accessing and using technology, as well as older adults' need to build trust and emotional connection with their providers.

Relationship between serum iron level and physical function in heart failure patients is lost by presence of diabetes

AIMS

Iron deficiency (ID) is common in patients with heart failure (HF) and is reportedly associated with exercise intolerance and impaired quality of life. Iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with ID improves exercise capacity. Conversely, protective roles of iron depletion in the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications have been proposed. This study aimed to determine the impact of ID on physical function in HF patients with and without DM.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We enrolled consecutive patients who were admitted to our institute for HF diagnosis and management. The short physical performance battery (SPPB) was used to evaluate physical function, and low physical function was defined as an SPPB score of <10 points as individuals with SPPB scores of <10 points are most likely to be classified as frail and are at high risk for disability and future adverse events, including death. ID was defined as serum ferritin < 100 or 100-299 ng/mL when transferrin saturation (TSAT) was <20% according to the HF guidelines. Among the 562 HF patients (72 ± 14 years old; 56% male), 329 patients (58%) and 191 patients (34%) had ID and low physical function, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that TSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was a predictor of low physical function (odds ratio: 0.980, P = 0.024). Subgroup analysis showed that a significant association between low TSAT and low physical function was lost in HF patients with DM (P for interaction < 0.001). A spline dose-response curve for the relationship between TSAT and risk of low physical function with adjustments for covariates associated with low physical function in non-DM patients was almost linear with an increase in the risk of low physical function as the TSAT increased, but such a relationship was not found in the analyses of DM patients. A lack of close TSAT-SPPB relationship in HF patients with DM was confirmed also in a propensity-score-matched cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

TSAT as a continuous variable, but not ID, was independently associated with physical function in HF patients, and a significant association was lost in patients with HF and DM, suggesting a limited impact of iron supplementation therapy in HF patients with DM.

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on pre- and post-operative transcatheter aortic valve replacement prognoses

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a relatively new treatment method for aortic stenosis (AS) and has been demonstrated to be suitable for patients with varying risk levels. Indeed, among high-risk patients, TAVR outcomes are comparable to, or even better, than that of the traditional surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) method. TAVR outcomes, with respect to post-surgical functional capacity and quality of life, have also been found to be improved, especially when combined with cardiac rehabilitation (CR). CR is a multidisciplinary system, which integrates cardiology with other medical disciplines, such as sports, nutritional, mind-body, and behavioral medicine. It entails the development of appropriate medication, exercise, and diet prescriptions, along with providing psychological support, ensuring the cessation of smoking, and developing risk factor management strategies for cardiovascular disease patients. However, even with CR being able to improve TAVR outcomes and reduce post-surgical mortality rates, it still has largely been underutilized in clinical settings. This article reviews the usage of CR during both pre-and postoperative periods for valvular diseases, and the factors involved in influencing subsequent patient prognoses, thereby providing a direction for subsequent research and clinical applications.

The effects of CPET-guided cardiac rehabilitation on exercise tolerance in older persons with CHD after PCI

Prescribing appropriate exercise is an important means to improve the safety and efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation. Improper exercise may induce an increased cardiovascular risk in older persons with coronary heart disease. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET)-guided cardiac rehabilitation could be helpful for providing clinical evidence for cardiac rehabilitation therapy in older persons after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively included older persons who underwent PCI and cardiac rehabilitation based on CPET at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Center of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2014 to December 2019. Patients' baseline and follow-up clinical data were collected. A total of 403 older persons after PCI were included in the study. The mean age was 80.5 ± 4.3. The mean follow-up time was 12 ± 2 months. During the follow-up period, no significant exercise-related adverse events occurred, and the peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) increased compared with baseline (15.5 ± 3.8 ml/min/kg vs. 17.3 ± 4.1 ml/min/kg). Among the 90 patients (22.2%) without exercise habits at baseline who started regular exercise during follow-up, the improvement in VO2peak was most significant, at 3.2 ± 0.4 ml/min/kg. Cardiac rehabilitation based on CPET improved exercise habits and exercise tolerance in older persons with coronary heart disease after PCI.

Predictors of physical frailty improvement in older patients enrolled in a multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation program

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves clinical and functional recovery in older patients after acute cardiac syndromes, whose outcome is influenced by cardiac disease severity, but also by comorbidity and frailty. The aim of the study was to analyze the predictors of physical frailty improvement during the CR program. Data were collected in all patients aged > 75 years consecutively admitted from 1 January to December 2017 to our CR, consisting of 5-day-per-week of 30-min session of biking or calisthenics on alternate days for 4 weeks. Physical frailty was measured with short physical performance battery (SPPB) at the entry and the end of CR. Outcome was represented by an increase of at least 1 point in the SPPB score from baseline to the end of the CR program. In our study population of 100 patients, mean age 81 years, we demonstrated that a strong predictor of improvement in SPPB score was the poorer performance in the test at baseline; for Δ-1 point of score, we registered an OR 2.50 (95% CI = 1.64-3.85; p = 0.001) of probability to improve the physical performance at the end of CR. Interestingly those patients with worse performance at SPPB balance and chair standing task showed greater probability of ameliorating their physical frailty profile at the end of CR. Our data strongly suggest that CR program after acute cardiac syndrome produces a significant physical frailty improvement in those patients with worse frailty phenotype with an impairment in chair standing or balance at entry.

Association of admission frailty and frailty changes during cardiac rehabilitation with 5-year outcomes

AIMS

Examine the association between (1) admission frailty and (2) frailty changes during cardiac rehabilitation (CR) with 5-year outcomes (i.e. time to mortality, first hospitalization, first emergency department (ED) visit, and number of hospitalizations, hospital days, and ED visits).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data from patients admitted to a 12-week CR programme in Halifax, Nova Scotia, from May 2005 to April 2015 (n = 3371) were analysed. A 25-item frailty index (FI) estimated frailty levels at CR admission and completion. FI improvements were determined by calculating the difference between admission and discharge FI. CR data were linked to administrative health data to examine 5-year outcomes [due to all causes and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)]. Cox regression, Fine-Gray models, and negative binomial hurdle models were used to determine the association between FI and outcomes. On average, patients were 61.9 (SD: 10.7) years old and 74% were male. Mean admission FI scores were 0.34 (SD: 0.13), which improved by 0.07 (SD: 0.09) by CR completion. Admission FI was associated with time to mortality [HRs/IRRs per 0.01 FI increase: all causes = 1.02(95% CI 1.01,1.04); CVD = 1.03(1.02,1.05)], hospitalization [all causes = 1.02(1.01,1.02); CVD = 1.02(1.01,1.02)], ED visit [all causes = 1.01(1.00,1.01)], and the number of hospitalizations [all causes = 1.02(95% CI 1.01,1.03); CVD = 1.02(1.00,1.04)], hospital days [all causes = 1.01(1.01,1.03)], and ED visits [all causes = 1.02(1.02,1.03)]. FI improvements during CR had a protective effect regarding time to all-cause hospitalization [0.99(0.98,0.99)] but were not associated with other outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Frailty status at CR admission was related to long-term adverse outcomes. Frailty improvements during CR were associated with delayed all-cause hospitalization, in which a larger effect was associated with a greater chance of improved outcome.

Experience and Perceptions among Older Outpatients after Myocardial Infarction following an Exercise Intervention: A Qualitative Analysis from the PIpELINe Trial

Traditional cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs effectively improve physical performance and outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI). However, older patients are less likely to participate in such programs. The aim of this qualitative analysis was to investigate experiences and perceptions of cardiac outpatients enrolled in an innovative and exercise-based CR program and to identify possible barriers to improving adherence and quality of life. Semi-structured interviews were conducted on a sample of 31 patients (84% male; age 76 ± 6 years) from the Physical Activity Intervention in Elderly after Myocardial Infarction (PIpELINe) trial, after about six months of the event. Three main themes were identified: Personal feelings after the event; lifestyle change and perception of barriers; and relationships with familiars. Participants perceived sensations of fear at the time of their diagnosis and showed awareness of the importance of following specific health suggestions. They reported a significative change in previous habits and highlighted the need for periodic controls. Few of them felt insecure in carrying out daily activities or practicing exercise and reported an unnecessary protection from the family members. These findings will provide valuable insights for the development of a more feasible patient-centered CR model of intervention.

Contribution of individual and cumulative frailty-related health deficits on cardiac rehabilitation completion

BACKGROUND

Despite the high burden of frailty among cardiac rehabilitation (CR) participants, it is unclear which frailty-related deficits are related to program completion.

METHODS

Data from a single-centre exercise- and education-based CR program were included. A frailty index (FI) based on 25 health deficits was constructed. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of CR completion based on the presence of individual FI items. The odds of completion for cumulative deficits related to biomarkers, body composition, quality of life, as well as a composite of traditional and non-traditional cardiovascular risk factor domains were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 3,756 individuals were included in analyses. Eight of 25 FI variables were positively associated with program completion while 8 others were negatively associated with completion. The variable with the strongest positive association was the food frequency questionnaire score (OR 1.27 (95% CI 1.14, 1.41), whereas the deficit with strongest negative association was a decline in health over the last year (OR 0.74 (95% CI 0.58, 0.93). An increased number of cardiovascular deficits were associated with an increased odds of CR completion (OR per 1 deficit increase 1.16 (95% CI 1.11, 1.22)). A higher number of traditional CR deficits were predictive of CR completion (OR 1.22 (95% CI 1.16, 1.29)), but non-traditional measures predicted non-completion (OR 0.95 (95% CI 0.92, 0.97)).

CONCLUSION

A greater number of non-traditional cardiovascular deficits was associated with non-completion. These data should be used to implement intervention to patients who are most vulnerable to drop out to maximize retention.

Management of Acute Coronary Syndrome in the Older Adult Population: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Diagnostic and therapeutic advances during the past decades have substantially improved health outcomes for patients with acute coronary syndrome. Both age-related physiological changes and accumulated cardiovascular risk factors increase the susceptibility to acute coronary syndrome over a lifetime. Compared with younger patients, outcomes for acute coronary syndrome in the large and growing demographic of older adults are relatively worse. Increased atherosclerotic plaque burden and complexity of anatomic disease, compounded by age-related cardiovascular and noncardiovascular comorbid conditions, contribute to the worse prognosis observed in older individuals. Geriatric syndromes, including frailty, multimorbidity, impaired cognitive and physical function, polypharmacy, and other complexities of care, can undermine the therapeutic efficacy of guidelines-based treatments and the resiliency of older adults to survive and recover, as well. In this American Heart Association scientific statement, we (1) review age-related physiological changes that predispose to acute coronary syndrome and management complexity; (2) describe the influence of commonly encountered geriatric syndromes on cardiovascular disease outcomes; and (3) recommend age-appropriate and guideline-concordant revascularization and acute coronary syndrome management strategies, including transitions of care, the use of cardiac rehabilitation, palliative care services, and holistic approaches. The primacy of individualized risk assessment and patient-centered care decision-making is highlighted throughout.

Multicomponent intervention for frail and pre-frail older adults with acute cardiovascular conditions: The TARGET-EFT randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Hospitalization for cardiovascular disease (CVD) may be complicated by hospital-acquired disability (HAD) and subsequently poor health-related quality of life (HRQOL). While frailty has been shown to be a risk factor, it has yet to be studied as a therapeutic target to improve outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This trial sought to determine the effects of an in-hospital multicomponent intervention targeting physical weakness, cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and anemia on patient-centered outcomes compared to usual care.

METHODS

A single-center parallel-group randomized clinical trial was conducted in older patients with acute CVD and evidence of frailty or pre-frailty as measured by the Essential Frailty Toolset (EFT). Patients were randomized to usual care or a multicomponent intervention. Outcomes were HRQOL (EQ-5D-5L score) and disability (Older Americans Resources and Services score) at 30 days post-discharge and mood disturbances (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at discharge.

RESULTS

The trial cohort consisted of 142 patients with a mean age of 79.5 years and 55% females. The primary diagnosis was heart failure in 29%, valvular heart disease in 28%, ischemic heart disease in 14%, arrhythmia in 11%, and other CVDs in 18%. The intervention improved HRQOL scores (coefficient 0.08; 95% CI 0.01, 0.15; p = 0.03) and mood scores (coefficient -1.95; 95% CI -3.82, -0.09; p = 0.04) but not disability scores (coefficient 0.18; 95% CI -1.44, 1.81; p = 0.82). There were no intervention-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

In frail older patients hospitalized for acute CVDs, an in-hospital multicomponent intervention targeted to frailty was safe and led to modest yet clinically meaningful improvements in HRQOL and mental well-being. The downstream impact of these effects on event-free survival and functional status remains to be evaluated in future research, as does the generalizability to other healthcare systems.

CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04291690.

Comparing Virtual and Center-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation on Changes in Frailty

Many patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) are frail. Center-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can improve frailty; however, whether virtual CR provides similar frailty improvements has not been examined. To answer this question, we (1) compared the effect of virtual and accelerated center-based CR on frailty and (2) determined if admission frailty affected frailty change and CVD biomarkers. The virtual and accelerated center-based CR programs provided exercise and education on nutrition, medication, exercise safety, and CVD. Frailty was measured with a 65-item frailty index. The primary outcome, frailty change, was analyzed with a two-way mixed ANOVA. Simple slopes analysis determined whether admission frailty affected frailty and CVD biomarker change by CR model type. Our results showed that admission frailty was higher in center-based versus virtual participants. However, we observed no main effect of CR model on frailty change. Results also revealed that participants who were frailer at CR admission observed greater frailty improvements and reductions in triglyceride and cholesterol levels when completing virtual versus accelerated center-based CR. Even though both program models did not change frailty, higher admission frailty was associated with greater frailty reductions and change to some CVD biomarkers in virtual CR.

Physical Performance in Black and Hispanic Outpatients with Heart Failure: The SCAN-MP Study

Background

Deficits of physical function are associated with poor quality of life and adverse health outcomes, but data informing the association of these assessments among Black and Hispanic outpatients with heart failure (HF) are limited.

Methods

The multicentre, prospective Screening for Cardiac Amyloidosis With Nuclear Imaging for Minority Populations (SCAN-MP) study identified Black and Hispanic subjects with stable HF, collected baseline characteristics, and took measures using the short physical performance battery. Subjects completed a Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), and the clinical outcomes of HF hospitalization and death were ascertained by telephone and review of the electronic health record.

Results

Of 320 participants, 227 (70.9%) had physical deficits, defined by a battery score of ≤ 9. Patients with severe physical deficits reported overall lower KCCQ scores compared to those with no deficits (KCCQ score of 57.0 vs 72.4, P < 0.001). Physical limitation was significantly associated with risk of HF hospitalization, after adjustments for age, sex, and New York Heart Association class (severe physical deficit hazard ratio, 3.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-10.93; P = 0.024; mild physical deficit hazard ratio, 2.59; 95% CI, 0.86-7.75; P = 0.090).

Conclusions

Reduced physical performance is highly prevalent among Black and Hispanic outpatients with HF, and it is associated with overall KCCQ score, as well as an increased risk for HF hospitalization.

Combined resistance training with aerobic training improves physical performance in patients with coronary artery disease: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

The efficacy of combined resistance training (RT) and aerobic training (AT) compared with AT alone is well established in cardiac rehabilitation (CR); however, it remains to be elucidated whether RT load (high load [HL] vs. low load [LL]) modifies the outcomes. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of HL-RT and LL-RT combined with AT in comparison to AT alone on body composition and physical performance in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) enrolled in phase II CR.

Methods

We randomized 79 patients with a stable CAD to 12 weeks of lower limb LL-RT + AT (35-40% of one repetition maximum [1-RM]; n = 28), HL-RT + AT (70-80% of 1-RM; n = 26), or AT (n = 25). Fifty-nine patients (75% men) with mean (standard deviation) age 61 (8) years and left ventricular ejection fraction 53 (9)% completed LL-RT (n = 19), HL-RT (n = 21) and AT (n = 19). Body composition and physical performance (upper and lower submaximal muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility) were measured at baseline and post-training.

Results

Training intervention had no significant impact on time × group interaction in the body composition measures. There was a significant time × group interaction for the gait speed test, chair sit-and-reach test, arm curl test, Stork balance test, up and go test, STS-5, and 6-min walk distance (p-values ≤ 0.001-0.04) following the training intervention. After the training intervention, HL-RT improved gait speed (+12%, p = 0.044), arm curl (+13%, p = 0.037), and time of Up and Go test (+9%, p < 0.001) to a greater extent compared with AT group, while there was a greater improvement in time of Up and Go test (+18%, p < 0.001) and time of five sit-to-stand tests (+14%, p = 0.016) following LL-RT when compared with AT. There were no differences between HL-RT and LL-RT in post-training improvement in any of the physical performance measures.

Conclusion

The combination of AT with HL-RT or LL-RT promoted similar improvements in physical performance, which were superior to AT. Therefore, both types of combined AT and RT can be applied to patients with CAD.

Clinical trial registration

[https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04638764] Identifier [NCT04638764].

Benefits of a Balance Exercise Assist Robot in the Cardiac Rehabilitation of Older Adults with Cardiovascular Disease: A Preliminary Study

We examined whether adding robot-supported balance exercises to cardiac rehabilitation improves the ability to balance in older adults with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We conducted a prospective study in 52 older adults who had been hospitalized for worsening CVD. Once weekly for four months, for a total of sixteen sessions as outpatients, the subjects used a Balance Exercise Assist Robot (BEAR) to perform balance exercises and an ergometer for aerobic exercises. Participants’ mean age was 76.9 ± 6.8 years (range, 65−95 years), and their mean brain natriuretic protein level was 164.0 ± 190.0 pg/mL. After the intervention, participants showed significant improvements in gait speed (before, 1.06 ± 0.33 m/s; after, 1.23 ± 0.30 m/s; p < 0.001), Short Physical Performance Battery score (before, 10.02 ± 2.25; after, 10.88 ± 1.79; p ˂ 0.001), timed up-and-go (before, 11.11 ± 5.07 s; after, 9.45 ± 3.45 s; p ˂ 0.001), and knee extension (before, 26.97 ± 11.78 kgf; after, 30.13 ± 13.04 kgf; p = 0.001). Cardiac rehabilitation including exercises using BEAR improved physical functioning and the ability to balance in older adults with CVD. Frail and prefrail patients improved, whereas robust ones did not change.

Preventing and Managing Falls in Adults With Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Falls and fear of falling are a major health issue and associated with high injury rates, high medical care costs, and significant negative impact on quality of life. Adults with cardiovascular disease are at high risk of falling. However, the prevalence and specific risks for falls among adults with cardiovascular disease are not well understood, and falls are likely underestimated in clinical practice. Data from surveys of patient-reported and medical record-based analyses identify falls or risks for falling in 40% to 60% of adults with cardiovascular disease. Increased fall risk is associated with medications, structural heart disease, orthostatic hypotension, and arrhythmias, as well as with abnormal gait and balance, physical frailty, sensory impairment, and environmental hazards. These risks are particularly important among the growing population of older adults with cardiovascular disease. All clinicians who care for patients with cardiovascular disease have the opportunity to recognize falls and to mitigate risks for falling. This scientific statement provides consensus on the interdisciplinary evaluation, prevention, and management of falls among adults with cardiac disease and the management of cardiovascular care when patients are at risk of falling. We outline research that is needed to clarify prevalence and factors associated with falls and to identify interventions that will prevent falls among adults with cardiovascular disease.

Prevalence of US Adults With Cardiovascular Disease Reporting Barriers to Clinician Office Visits: IMPLICATIONS FOR ACCESSIBLE MODELS FOR CARDIAC REHABILITATION

PURPOSE

Despite known health benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), only a quarter of eligible patients attend. Among CR barriers are physical (eg, walking) and in-person attendance limitations. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of difficulty walking and dependence on another person to attend medical appointments among people with and without CVD using national survey data.

METHODS

We compared the prevalence of difficulty walking and difficulty attending medical appointments alone among adults with and without CVD using national survey data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) from 2015-2019. We used logistic regression and Rao-Scott χ2 analysis while controlling for several social determinants of health as covariates.

RESULTS

Of 2 212 973 respondents, 200 087 (9.04%) had CVD. The odds of individuals with CVD experiencing either difficulty walking or difficulty attending medical appointments alone were >3 times greater than the odds for individuals without CVD. In all adults with CVD, 42% reported difficulty walking and 20% reported dependence on another person to attend medical appointments. In all adults with CVD, 46% reported difficulty with one or both difficulties compared with 14% of adults without CVD.

CONCLUSIONS

We estimate that 11.9 million Americans with self-reported CVD have difficulty walking, or are dependent on another person to attend medical appointments, or both. Alternative models of CR that adapt to these limitations are needed to increase attendance of CR so that all adults with CVD can improve their health outcomes.

Promotion and maintenance of physically active lifestyle in older outpatients 2 years after acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

To examine long-term changes in lifestyle and exercise capacity of older patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) involved in an innovative centre- and home-based exercise-based secondary prevention program.

METHODS

A sample of 118 patients with ACS (age 76 [72-80] years) was analysed. Long-term changes in self-reported weekly leisure-time physical activity (wLTPA), walking speed (WS), and estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (eCRF, VO₂peak, mL/kg/min) were the outcome variables. The program consisted of seven individual on-site sessions including motivational interviewing to reach exercise goals. Exercise prescription was based on the results of a standardized moderate and perceptually regulated treadmill walk to estimate VO₂peak. wLTPA, WS, and eCRF were assessed at 1 (baseline), 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24 months after discharge.

RESULTS

87, 76, and 70 patients completed follow-up at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. wLTPA significantly increased during the follow-up period (median METs/H/week 2.5, 11.2, 12.0, and 13.4 at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively; P < 0.0001). At baseline, 18% of the sample met the current international guidelines for physical activity, while 75%, 70%, and 76% of them met the recommended values at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up sessions, respectively. These results were associated with increasing median WS (2.9 ± 1.0, 4.3 ± 1.2, 4.5 ± 1.1, 4.5 ± 1.2 km/h, respectively, P < 0.0001), and VO₂peak (16.5, 21.4, 21.1, 21.3 mL/kg/min, respectively, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

This early, individualized exercise intervention improved long-term adherence to a physically active lifestyle, walking capacity, and eCRF in older patients after ACS. Larger studies are needed to confirm short- and long-term clinical benefits of this intervention.

Age-Related Differences for Cardiorespiratory Fitness Improvement in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation

Objective

We investigated age-related differences for peak oxygen uptake (peak VO₂) improvement with exercise training during cardiac rehabilitation (CR).

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of the Mayo Clinic Rochester CR program including adult patients who attended CR (≥1 session) for any eligible indication between 1999 and 2017 and who had a cardiopulmonary exercise test pre and post CR with VO₂ data (peak respiratory exchange ratio ≥1.0). Younger (20–49 yrs), midlife (50–64 yrs), and older adults (≥65 yrs) were compared using ANOVA for delta and percent change in peak VO₂; and percentage of peak VO₂ responders (>0% change).

Results

708 patients (age: 60.8 ± 12.1 years; 24% female) met inclusion criteria. Delta and percent change in peak VO₂ was lower for older adults (1.6 ± 3.2 mL.kg.min⁻¹; 12 ± 27%) compared with younger (3.7 ± 4.0 mL.kg.min⁻¹, p < 0.001; 23 ± 28%, p = 0.002) and midlife adults (2.8 ± 3.8 mL.kg.min⁻¹, p < 0.001; 17 ± 28%, p = 0.04). For midlife, delta change, but not percent change in peak VO₂ was significantly lower (p = 0.02) compared with younger. Percentage of responders was only different between older and younger (72 vs. 86%; p = 0.008). Sensitivity analyses in non-surgical patients showed similar differences for delta change, and differences in percent change remained significant between older and younger adults (10 ± 20% vs. 16 ± 18%; p = 0.04).

Conclusions

In CR patients, older adults had lower improvement in cardiorespiratory fitness than younger and midlife adults. While excluding surgical patients reduced age-related differences, older adults still had lower cardiorespiratory fitness improvement during CR. These findings may have implications for individualizing CR programming in aging populations to reduce future cardiovascular risk.

Frailty Test Battery Development including Physical, Socio-Psychological and Cognitive Domains for Cardiovascular Disease Patients: A Preliminary Study

Frailty is an age-related decline in physical, socio-psychological and cognitive function that results in extreme vulnerability to stressors. Therefore, this study aimed to elucidate which tests have to be selected to detect frailty in a comprehensive and feasible manner in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients based on multivariate regression and sensitivity/specificity analyses. Patients (n = 133, mean age 78 ± 7 years) hospitalised for coronary revascularisation or heart failure (HF) were examined using the Fried and Vigorito criteria, together with some additional measurements. Moreover, to examine the association of frailty with 6-month clinical outcomes, hospitalisations and mortality up to 6 months after the initial hospital admission were examined. Some level of frailty was detected in 44% of the patients according to the Vigorito criteria and in 65% of the patients according to the Fried criteria. Frailty could best be detected by a score based on: sex, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Katz scale, timed up-and-go test (TUG), handgrip strength, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and total number of medications. Frailty and specific markers of frailty were significantly associated with mortality and six-month hospitalisations. We thus can conclude that, in patients with CVD, sex, MNA, Katz scale, TUG, handgrip strength, MMSE, GDS-15 and total number of medications play a key role in detecting frailty, assessed by a new time- and cost-efficient test battery.

Factors Associated With Cardiac Rehabilitation Participation in Older Adults After Myocardial Infarction: THE SILVER-AMI STUDY

PURPOSE

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a key aspect of secondary prevention following acute myocardial infarction (AMI). While there is growing evidence of unique benefits of CR in older adults, it remains underutilized. We aimed to examine specific demographic, clinical, and functional factors associated with utilization of CR among older adults hospitalized with AMI.

METHODS

Our project used data from the SILVER-AMI study, a nationwide prospective cohort study of patients age ≥75 yr hospitalized with AMI and followed them up for 6 mo after discharge. Extensive baseline data were collected on demographics, clinical and psychosocial factors, and functional and sensory impairments. The utilization of CR was collected by a survey at 6 mo. Backward selection was employed in a multivariable-adjusted logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of CR use.

RESULTS

Of the 2003 participants included in this analysis, 779 (39%) reported participating in CR within 6 mo of discharge. Older age, longer length of hospitalization, having ≤12 yr of education, visual impairment, cognitive impairment, and living alone were associated with decreased likelihood of CR participation; receipt of diagnostic and interventional procedures (ie, cardiac catheterization, percutaneous coronary intervention, and coronary artery bypass graft) was associated with increased likelihood of CR participation.

CONCLUSIONS

Demographic and clinical factors, as well as select functional and sensory impairments common in aging, were associated with CR participation at 6 mo post-discharge in older AMI patients. These results highlight opportunities to increase CR usage among older adults and identify those at risk for not participating.

Interventions for Frailty Among Older Adults With Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review

With the aging of the world's population, a large proportion of patients seen in cardiovascular practice are older adults, but many patients also exhibit signs of physical frailty. Cardiovascular disease and frailty are interdependent and have the same physiological underpinning that predisposes to the progression of both disease processes. Frailty can be defined as a phenomenon of increased vulnerability to stressors due to decreased physiological reserves in older patients and thus leads to poor clinical outcomes after cardiovascular insults. There are various pathophysiologic mechanisms for the development of frailty: cognitive decline, physical inactivity, poor nutrition, and lack of social supports; these risk factors provide opportunity for various types of interventions that aim to prevent, improve, or reverse the development of frailty syndrome in the context of cardiovascular disease. There is no compelling study demonstrating a successful intervention to improve a global measure of frailty. Emerging data from patients admitted with heart failure indicate that interventions associated with positive outcomes on frailty and physical function are multidimensional and include tailored cardiac rehabilitation. Contemporary cardiovascular practice should actively identify patients with physical frailty who could benefit from frailty interventions and aim to deliver these therapies in a patient-centered model to optimize quality of life, particularly after cardiovascular interventions.

Assessment of the Early Disabling Effects of Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery Using Direct Measures of Physical Function

PURPOSE

Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is an important treatment option in patients with coronary artery disease. Despite its beneficial effects, CABG surgery and its subsequent hospitalization may reduce physical functional capacity in patients, contributing to physical disability. Our objective was to assess the early disabling effects of CABG surgery and its subsequent hospitalization using direct measurements of physical function.

METHODS

Patients (n = 44) were assessed pre-surgery and at hospital discharge for physical function using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and self-reported physical and mental health by questionnaire.

RESULTS

The total SPPB score (P < .001) and all of its components (P < .01-.001) decreased markedly following CABG surgery and hospitalization, with greater reductions in total SPPB score (P < .05) and gait speed (P < .01) in patients with higher body mass index. While CABG surgery and hospitalization reduced patient-reported physical function, changes in these indices largely did not correlate with changes in SPPB outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Our results show the early disabling effects of CABG surgery and hospitalization on directly measured physical function, and that patients with higher body mass index had greater reductions. In addition, our results underscore the need to perform direct measurements of physical function to describe reductions in physiological functional capacity. These findings suggest the need for inpatient rehabilitation or early mobility programs to address this decline in physical function.

Cardiac rehabilitation in older adults: Apropos yet significantly underutilized

Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive disease management program that utilizes exercise training, behavioral modification, education, and psychosocial counseling to optimize outcomes and functionality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD)1). While CR was initially designed as an exercise training and fitness program for younger patients, usually men, after debilitating hospitalizations for myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery, evidence has expanded to also include other types of CVD in women as well as men, including heart failure, valvular disease, and peripheral arterial disease2-4). As the population of older adults continues to expand, age-related CVD is endemic and is commonly associated with exercise decline, diminished quality of life, and dependence. CR has the potential to counterbalance these patterns, and therefore stands out as a particularly important consideration for older adults with CVD. Nevertheless, CR remains highly underutilized5,6). Novel approaches to CR including home-based and hybrid CR programs show promise for enhanced outreach to patients who may not otherwise participate. This review summarizes the current data available regarding CR in older adults with CVD with a focus on geriatric-specific complexities, current barriers to utilization, and approaches to enhance participation and effectiveness.

Cardiac rehabilitation for older adults: current evidence and future potential

INTRODUCTION

Growth of the older adult demographic has resulted in an increased number of older patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in combination with comorbid diseases and geriatric syndromes. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is utilized to promote recovery and improve outcomes, but remains underutilized, particularly by older adults. CR provides an opportunity to address the distinctive needs of older adults, with focus on CVD as well as geriatric domains that often dominate management and outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Utility of CR for CVD in older adults as well as pertinent geriatric syndromes (e.g. multimorbidity, frailty, polypharmacy, cognitive decline, psychosocial stress, and diminished function) that affect CVD management.

EXPERT OPINION

Mounting data substantiate the importance of CR as part of recovery for older adults with CVD. The application of CR as a standard therapy is especially important as the combination of CVD and geriatric syndromes catalyzes functional decline and can trigger progressive clinical deterioration and dependency. While benefits of CR for older adults with CVD are already evident, further reengineering of CR is necessary to better address the needs of older candidates who may be frail, especially as remote and hybrid formats of CR are becoming more widespread.

Cognition and Exercise: GENERAL OVERVIEW AND IMPLICATIONS FOR CARDIAC REHABILITATION

Performance of endurance exercise is associated with a broad range of cognitive benefits, with notable improvements shown across a wide variety of populations including healthy populations as well as those with impaired cognition. By examining the effects of exercise in general populations, as well in populations where cognitive deficits are pronounced, and critical to self-care, we can learn more about using exercise to ameliorate cognitive issues and apply that knowledge to other patient populations, such as those eligible for cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Cognitive challenges are a concern within CR, as management of a chronic disease is cognitively taxing, and, as expected, deficits in cognition predict worse outcomes, including lower attendance at CR. Some subsets of patients within CR may be particularly at high risk for cognitive challenges including those with heart failure with low ejection fraction, recent coronary bypass surgery, multiple chronic conditions, and patients of lower socioeconomic status. Attendance at CR is associated with cognitive gains, likely through the progressive exercise component, with larger amounts of exercise over longer periods having greater benefits. Programs should identify at-risk patients, who could gain the most from completing CR, and provide additional support to keep those patients engaged. While engaged in CR, patients should be encouraged to exercise, at least at moderate intensity, and transitioned to a long-term exercise regimen. Overall, CR programs are well-positioned to support these patients and make significant contributions to their long-term well-being.

Review of Recent Cardiac Rehabilitation Research Related to Enrollment/Adherence, Mental Health, and Other Populations

This review overviews three topic areas observed to be highly active in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) research literature published in 2019 and 2020. Topics summarized were enrollment or adherence in CR programs; mental health, particularly depression, stress, and anxiety of patients participating in CR programs; and patients participating in CR programs with diagnoses other than coronary artery bypass graft, myocardial infarction, or percutaneous coronary interventions.

Cardiovascular care of older adults

Age is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. With the accelerated growth of the population of older adults, geriatric and cardiac care are becoming increasingly entwined. Although cardiovascular disease in younger adults often occurs as an isolated problem, it is more likely to occur in combination with clinical challenges related to age in older patients. Management of cardiovascular disease is transmuted by the context of multimorbidity, frailty, polypharmacy, cognitive dysfunction, functional decline, and other complexities of age. This means that additional insight and skills are needed to manage a broader range of relevant problems in older patients with cardiovascular disease. This review covers geriatric conditions that are relevant when treating older adults with cardiovascular disease, particularly management considerations. Traditional practice guidelines are generally well suited for robust older adults, but many others benefit from a relatively more personalized therapeutic approach that allows for a range of medical circumstances and idiosyncratic goals of care. This requires weighing of risks and benefits amidst the patient's aggregate clinical status and the ability to communicate effectively about this with patients and, where appropriate, their care givers in a process of shared decision making. Such a personalized approach can be particularly gratifying, as it provides opportunities to optimize an older patient's function and quality of life at a time in life when these often become foremost therapeutic priorities.

The Future of Exercise-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients With Heart Failure

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a comprehensive program that includes exercise training, titration of medical therapy, lifestyle modification, educational support, and psychosocial assessment. All these components are safe and beneficial resulting in significant improvements in quality of life, functional capacity, mortality, and hospital readmission. Current guidelines support its use in a broad spectrum of cardiac disease. This review focuses on exercise-based CR for heart failure (HF) patients in whom CR is a recommended treatment. Exercise should be prescribed according to a personalized approach, optimizing, and tailoring the rehabilitative program to the patient's characteristics. Specific CR programs are dedicated to older patients, those with HF and preserved ejection fraction, and recipients of cardiac implantable electronic devices or left ventricular assistance device. Telemedicine may increase CR participation and overcome some of the barriers that limit its utilization.

Prioritizing movement to address the frailty phenotype in heart failure

Frailty is a highly prevalent multisystem syndrome in older adults with heart failure (HF) and is associated with poor clinical prognosis and increased complexity of care. While frailty is neither disease nor age specific, it is a clinical manifestation of aging-related processes that reflects a reduced physiological ability to tolerate and recover from stress associated with aging, disease, or therapy. Within this context, physical frailty, which is distinctly oriented to physical functional domains (e.g., muscle weakness, slowness, and low activity), has been recognized as a critical vital sign in older persons with HF. Identification and routine assessment of physical frailty, using objective physical performance measures, may guide the course of patient-centered treatment plans that maximize the likelihood of improving clinical outcomes in older HF patients. Exercise-based rehabilitation is a primary therapy to improve cardiovascular health in patients with HF; however, the limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of exercise tailored to older and frail HF patients underscores the current gaps in management of their care. Interdisciplinary exercise interventions designed with consideration of physical frailty as a therapeutic target may be an important strategy to counteract functional deficits characteristic of frailty and HF, and to improve patient-centered outcomes in this population. The purpose of this current review is to provide a better understanding of physical frailty and its relation to management of care in older patients with HF. Implications of movement-based interventions, including exercise and physical rehabilitation, to prevent or reverse physical frailty and improve clinical outcomes will further be discussed.

Frailty implications for exercise participation and outcomes in patients with heart failure

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Frailty is common in people with heart failure (HF) and associated with poorer outcomes. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, exercise participation, and outcomes of frail and not-frail participants enrolled in a randomized trial of exercise training (ET) within a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program.

DESIGN

Secondary analysis of EJECTION-HF randomized trial (ACTRN12608000263392).

SETTING

Five HF-specific CR programs in Queensland, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults recently hospitalized with HF.

INTERVENTION

All participated in CR including home exercise prescription and monitoring; half were randomized to center-based ET.

MEASUREMENTS

A frailty index (FI) was constructed at randomization and 6-month follow-up. Outcomes included ET attendance, change in 6-min walk distance (6MWD), improved FI (>0.09 units) at 6 months, achieving physical activity (PA) guidelines at 6 months, and 12 month all-cause death or readmission.

RESULTS

The FI was measured in 256 participants at randomization: 110 (43%) were not-frail (FI 0.2 or less), 119 (46%) were frail (FI >0.2 to 0.39), and 27 (11%) were very frail (FI ≥0.4). Frailty was more common with older age, female gender, decompensated HF, worse HF symptoms, and preserved ejection fraction. ET attendance did not differ by frailty group. Participants who were more frail had lower 6WMD at enrollment, but similar improvement over 6 months. Mean FI improved by 0.03 units at 6 months (95% CI 0.02-0.04, p < 0.001). Participants who were more frail had significantly greater improvements in FI compared with not-frail participants and were often able to achieve PA guidelines, both in intervention and control groups. Neither baseline frailty nor intervention was significantly associated with 12-month death or readmission.

CONCLUSION

Frail people with HF participating in CR that includes home and/or center-based ET often achieve PA guidelines, and some may have meaningful reductions in frailty.