Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction: The Cardiac Rehabilitation Outcome Study in Heart Failure (CROS-HF): A systematic review and meta-analysis

Adherence to drug therapy in patients with heart failure associated with reduced ejection fractions (HFrEF) during cardiac rehabilitation and after 3 and 6 months

INTRODUCTION

Heart failure represents a major challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Rehabilitation is recommended as an important pillar of therapy for these patients, especially for those with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HFrEF: heart failure with reduced ejection fraction).

METHODS

The data collected in this multi-center project provide information on the rates of patients with HFrEF who were treated in five German rehabilitation facilities and whether the patients adhered to drug therapy at 3-/6-month follow-up. The project was supported by an unrestricted grant from Novartis-Pharma-GmbH.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 234 patients included was 63.4 ± 10.6 years and 78% were male. The mean LVEF was 31 ± 8% at admission and 36 ± 10% at discharge. Only 20.6% of the patients were assigned to rehabilitation with the main indication HF. The most frequent main indication was acute coronary syndrome (46.6%). A high proportion of patients was already on the recommended drug therapy upon admission (94% beta blockers, 100% angiotensin-effective drugs, 70% mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, etc.). This was optimized, in particular by a higher proportion of patients treated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (35% admission vs. 45% discharge) and sacubitril/valsartan (49% admission vs. 64% discharge), which was further optimized during the 6-month follow-up (e.g., 50% SGLT2 inhibitors, 67% sacubitril/valsartan).

DISCUSSION

These data illustrate the effect of rehabilitation in terms of optimizing drug therapy, which stabilized over the course of 6 months. Furthermore, only a few patients with the main diagnosis HFrEF are referred for cardiac rehabilitation, although it is an essential part of guideline-based therapy.

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Advancements in Heart Failure Treatment

Heart failure (HF) is a complex, life-threatening condition characterized by high mortality, morbidity, and poor quality of life. Despite studies of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapies, the rate of HF hospitalization is still increasing due to the growing and aging population and an increase in obesity in relatively younger individuals. It remains a predominant issue in the public health and the global economic burden. Current research has focused on how HF affects the entire range of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), especially the three HF subgroups. This review provides a latest overview of pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies of these three subgroups (HF with preserved ejection fraction, HF with reduced ejection fraction, and HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction). We summarize conventional therapies, investigate novel strategies, and explore the new technologies such as aortic thoracic stimulation and interatrial shunting devices.

A Randomized Controlled Study of Enhanced External Counterpulsation with Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease and Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction

Treatment with enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) or cardiac rehabilitation (CR) benefits patients with coronary heart disease; this paper intends to explore the feasibility of EECP combined with CR in patients with nonobstructive coronary heart disease (NOCAD) and coronary microcirculation disorders (CMD).In January 2021-2022 month June our income NOCAD patients as the research object, the line of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) < 2.0 coronary microcirculation disorders (CMD, 80 cases). Random indicator method 80 CMD patients divided into two groups, 40 cases in each. Usual treatment group: conventional drugs and CR therapy. EECP treatment group: on the basis of standard treatment group, employ EECP therapy. Comparing the two groups before and after the treatment curative effect cardiac function index, endothelial unction index, adverse cardiovascular events, etc.After EECP treatment, the treatment group showed a higher effective rate compared to the usual treatment group (P < 0.05). EECP group curative effect, left ventricular ejection fraction,plasma NO and vascular endothelial growth factor levels higher than the usual group, the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events is lower than the usual group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).EECP combined with cardiac rehabilitation in patients with CMD symptoms has better effect and safety and provides reference for treatment of CMD patients.

Non-Pharmacological Interventions in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacologic interventions and the additional benefits of their combination in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Clinical Trials Register from the date of database inception to April 22, 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized controlled trials involving non-pharmacologic interventions conducted in patients with HFrEF were included.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data were extracted by 2 independent reviewers based on a pre-tested data extraction form. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method.

DATA SYNTHESIS

A total of 82 eligible studies (4574 participants) were included. We performed a random-effects model within a Bayesian framework to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% credibility intervals. High or moderate certainty evidence indicated that high-intensity aerobic interval training (HIAIT) was best on improving 6-minute walk distance (6MWD; 68.55 m [36.41, 100.47]) and left ventricular ejection fraction (6.28% [3.88, 8.77]), while high-intensity aerobic continuous training (HIACT) is best on improving peak oxygen consumption (Peak VO2; 3.48 mL/kg•min [2.84, 4.12]), quality of life (QOL; -17.26 [-29.99, -7.80]), resting heart rate (-8.20 bpm [-13.32, -3.05]), and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (-600.96 pg/mL [-902.93, -404.52]). Moderate certainty evidence supported the effectiveness of inspiratory muscle training to improve peak oxygen consumption and functional electrical stimulation to improve QOL. Moderate-intensity aerobic continuous training (MIACT) plus moderate-intensity resistance training (MIRT) had additional benefits in Peak VO2, 6MWD, and QOL. This review did not provide a comprehensive evaluation of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Both HIAIT and HIACT are the most effective single non-pharmacologic interventions for HFrEF. MIACT plus MIRT had additional benefits in improving peak oxygen consumption, 6MWD, and QOL.

Latest updates on structure and recommendations of cardiac rehabilitation programs in chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a medically supervised program designed to maintain or improve cardiovascular health of people living with HF, recommended by both American and European guidelines. A CR program consists of a multispecialty group including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, trainers, nutritionists, and psychologists with the common purpose of improving functional capacity and quality of life of chronic HF patients. Physical activity, lifestyle, and psychological support are core components of a successful CR program. CR has been shown to be beneficial in all ejection fraction categories in HF and most patients, who are stable under medication, are capable of participating. An individualized exercise prescription should be developed on the basis of a baseline evaluation in all patients. The main modalities of exercise training are aerobic exercise and muscle strength training of different intensity and frequency. It is important to set the appropriate clinical outcomes from the beginning, in order to assess the effectiveness of a CR program. There are still significant limitations that prevent patients from participating in these programs and need to be solved. A significant limitation is the generally low quality of research in CR and the presence of negative trials, such as the rehabilitation after myocardial infarction trial, where comprehensive rehabilitation following myocardial infraction had no important effect on mortality, morbidity, risk factors, or health-related quality of life or activity. In the present editorial, we present all the updated knowledge and recommendations in CR programs.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure

BACKGROUND

People with heart failure experience substantial disease burden that includes low exercise tolerance, poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL), increased risk of mortality and hospital admission, and high healthcare costs. The previous 2018 Cochrane review reported that exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) compared to no exercise control shows improvement in HRQoL and hospital admission amongst people with heart failure, as well as possible reduction in mortality over the longer term, and that these reductions appear to be consistent across patient and programme characteristics. Limitations noted by the authors of this previous Cochrane review include the following: (1) most trials were undertaken in patients with heart failure with reduced (< 45%) ejection fraction (HFrEF), and women, older people, and those with heart failure with preserved (≥ 45%) ejection fraction (HFpEF) were under-represented; and (2) most trials were undertaken in a hospital or centre-based setting.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of ExCR on mortality, hospital admission, and health-related quality of life of adults with heart failure.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science without language restriction on 13 December 2021. We also checked the bibliographies of included studies, identified relevant systematic reviews, and two clinical trials registers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ExCR interventions (either exercise only or exercise as part of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation) with a follow-up of six months or longer versus a no-exercise control (e.g. usual medical care). The study population comprised adults (≥ 18 years) with heart failure - either HFrEF or HFpEF.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were all-cause mortality, mortality due to heart failure, all-cause hospital admissions, heart failure-related hospital admissions, and HRQoL. Secondary outcomes were costs and cost-effectiveness. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 60 trials (8728 participants) with a median of six months' follow-up. For this latest update, we identified 16 new trials (2945 new participants), in addition to the previously identified 44 trials (5783 existing participants). Although the existing evidence base predominantly includes patients with HFrEF, with New York Heart Association (NYHA) classes II and III receiving centre-based ExCR programmes, a growing body of trials includes patients with HFpEF with ExCR undertaken in a home-based setting. All included trials employed a usual care comparator with a formal no-exercise intervention as well as a wide range of active comparators, such as education, psychological intervention, or medical management. The overall risk of bias in the included trials was low or unclear, and we mostly downgraded the certainty of evidence of outcomes upon GRADE assessment. There was no evidence of a difference in the short term (up to 12 months' follow-up) in the pooled risk of all-cause mortality when comparing ExCR versus usual care (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 1.21; absolute effects 5.0% versus 5.8%; 34 trials, 36 comparisons, 3941 participants; low-certainty evidence). Only a few trials reported information on whether participants died due to heart failure. Participation in ExCR versus usual care likely reduced the risk of all-cause hospital admissions (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.86; absolute effects 15.9% versus 23.8%; 23 trials, 24 comparisons, 2283 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) and heart failure-related hospital admissions (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.35; absolute effects 5.6% versus 6.4%; 10 trials; 10 comparisons, 911 participants; moderate-certainty evidence) in the short term. Participation in ExCR likely improved short-term HRQoL as measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLWHF) questionnaire (lower scores indicate better HRQoL and a difference of 5 points or more indicates clinical importance; mean difference (MD) -7.39 points, 95% CI -10.30 to -4.77; 21 trials, 22 comparisons, 2699 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). When pooling HRQoL data measured by any questionnaire/scale, we found that ExCR may improve HRQoL in the short term, but the evidence is very uncertain (33 trials, 37 comparisons, 4769 participants; standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.52, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.34; very-low certainty evidence). ExCR effects appeared to be consistent across different models of ExCR delivery: centre- versus home-based, exercise dose, exercise only versus comprehensive programmes, and aerobic training alone versus aerobic plus resistance programmes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane review provides additional randomised evidence (16 trials) to support the conclusions of the previous 2018 version of the review. Compared to no exercise control, whilst there was no evidence of a difference in all-cause mortality in people with heart failure, ExCR participation likely reduces the risk of all-cause hospital admissions and heart failure-related hospital admissions, and may result in important improvements in HRQoL. Importantly, this updated review provides additional evidence supporting the use of alternative modes of ExCR delivery, including home-based and digitally-supported programmes. Future ExCR trials need to focus on the recruitment of traditionally less represented heart failure patient groups including older patients, women, and those with HFpEF.

Development of an Algorithm to Screen for Frailty Using the Clinical Frailty Scale with Postoperative Patients Entering Cardiac Rehabilitation

Purpose

Frailty is not commonly assessed on intake to cardiac rehabilitation (CR), but screening could enable targeted interventions and potentially reduce secondary complications. This study aimed to develop and retrospectively examine the feasibility of utilizing a CR-specific algorithm based on the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Our CFS-CR algorithm endeavoured to screen for frailty in older adults (> 65 y) entering CR following cardiac surgery/procedure.

Method

The charts of 30 former patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.9 y) were examined by a clinician working in CR.

Results

The clinician was unable to score any of the patients based on their medical charts using the CFS-CR due to insufficient data. Documentation was typically limited in the areas of instrumental and basic activities of daily living whereas exercise data were readily available.

Conclusions

Current intake documentation in CR limited the ability to retrospectively screen for frailty. This finding suggests a need for a frailty-specific tool to support routine clinical screening. Prospective evaluation of the CFS-CR is warranted to further examine the clinical utility of the algorithm during CR intake assessments.

Lifestyle Walking Intervention for Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: The WATCHFUL Trial

BACKGROUND

Physical activity is pivotal in managing heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and walking integrated into daily life is an especially suitable form of physical activity. This study aimed to determine whether a 6-month lifestyle walking intervention combining self-monitoring and regular telephone counseling improves functional capacity assessed by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) in patients with stable heart failure with reduced ejection fraction compared with usual care.

METHODS

The WATCHFUL trial (Pedometer-Based Walking Intervention in Patients With Chronic Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction) was a 6-month multicenter, parallel-group randomized controlled trial recruiting patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction from 6 cardiovascular centers in the Czech Republic. Eligible participants were ≥18 years of age, had left ventricular ejection fraction <40%, and had New York Heart Association class II or III symptoms on guidelines-recommended medication. Individuals exceeding 450 meters on the baseline 6MWT were excluded. Patients in the intervention group were equipped with a Garmin vívofit activity tracker and received monthly telephone counseling from research nurses who encouraged them to use behavior change techniques such as self-monitoring, goal-setting, and action planning to increase their daily step count. The patients in the control group continued usual care. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in the distance walked during the 6MWT at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included daily step count and minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity as measured by the hip-worn Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer, NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein biomarkers, ejection fraction, anthropometric measures, depression score, self-efficacy, quality of life, and survival risk score. The primary analysis was conducted by intention to treat.

RESULTS

Of 218 screened patients, 202 were randomized (mean age, 65 years; 22.8% female; 90.6% New York Heart Association class II; median left ventricular ejection fraction, 32.5%; median 6MWT, 385 meters; average 5071 steps/day; average 10.9 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day). At 6 months, no between-group differences were detected in the 6MWT (mean 7.4 meters [95% CI, -8.0 to 22.7]; P=0.345, n=186). The intervention group increased their average daily step count by 1420 (95% CI, 749 to 2091) and daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity by 8.2 (95% CI, 3.0 to 13.3) over the control group. No between-group differences were detected for any other secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Whereas the lifestyle intervention in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction improved daily steps by about 25%, it failed to demonstrate a corresponding improvement in functional capacity. Further research is needed to understand the lack of association between increased physical activity and functional outcomes.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03041610.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for adults with heart failure - 2023 Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Despite strong evidence, access to exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (ExCR) remains low across global healthcare systems. We provide a contemporary update of the Cochrane review randomized trial evidence for ExCR for adults with heart failure (HF) and compare different delivery modes: centre-based, home-based (including digital support), and both (hybrid).

METHODS AND RESULTS

Databases, bibliographies of previous systematic reviews and included trials, and trials registers were searched with no language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials, recruiting adults with HF, assigned to either ExCR or a no-exercise control group, with follow-up of ≥6 months were included. Two review authors independently screened titles for inclusion, extracted trial and patient characteristics, outcome data, and assessed risk of bias. Outcomes of mortality, hospitalization, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were pooled across trials using meta-analysis at short-term (≤12 months) and long-term follow-up (>12 months) and stratified by delivery mode. Sixty trials (8728 participants) were included. In the short term, compared to control, ExCR did not impact all-cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 0.93; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71-1.21), reduced all-cause hospitalization (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.56-0.86, number needed to treat: 13, 95% CI 9-22), and was associated with a clinically important improvement in HRQoL measured by the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLWHF) overall score (mean difference: -7.39; 95% CI -10.30 to -4.47). Improvements in outcomes with ExCR was seen across centre, home (including digitally supported), and hybrid settings. A similar pattern of results was seen in the long term (mortality: RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.72-1.04; all-cause hospitalization: RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.70-1.01, MLWHF: -9.59, 95% CI -17.48 to -1.50).

CONCLUSIONS

To improve global suboptimal levels of uptake for HF patients, global healthcare systems need to routinely recommend ExCR and offer a choice of mode of delivery, dependent on an individual patient's level of risk and complexity.

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation on cardiovascular event in Korea

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on major adverse cardiac events (MACE) among patients who underwent PCI procedure. We used data from the electronic medical records (EMR) of a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, from January 2014 to February 2020. Data from 2988 patients who had experienced their first acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) were included during the study period. we classified patients into CR participants and non-participants based on their participation in the cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program within 30 days after discharge. And the outcome was the incidence of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke within 1 year after discharge. The association between participation in CR and risk of developing MACE was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model. Patients who achieved CR after undergoing PCI were at a lower risk of developing MI (HR 0.68, CI 0.53-0.86). There was no significant association between participation in CR and the incidence of stroke. Among patients who had more than three stenotic vessels, the risk of developing MI within 1 year of discharge was reduced in CR users compared to non-users (3 or more stenosis vessels: HR 0.55, CI 0.35-0.86). Among patients who used two and more stents during PCI procedures, the risk of developing MI within 1 year of discharge was reduced in CR users compared to non-users (2 and more stents: HR 0.54, CI 0.35-0.85). Among people diagnosed with ACS and receiving PCI, patients who participated in CR within one month of discharge reduced risk of developing MI. Our study reinforced the current evidence on the effect of CR among patients receiving PCI and presented the expansion and enhancement of the CR program.

Analysis of respiratory muscle strength and its relationship with functional capacity between different field tests in patients with heart failure

OBJECTIVE

To analyze respiratory muscle strength of patients with heart failure (HF) and correlate with functional capacity.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved patients with compensated HF of both sexes, aged above 18 years. Respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory pressures (MEP) using a manovacuometer. Patients were randomized into two groups to assess functional capacity: six-minute walk test (6MWT) and incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT).

RESULTS

Forty-eight patients were evaluated (23 from 6MWT and 25 from ISWT group). Most were male (67.8%), with mean age of 62.3 years and left ventricular ejection fraction of 40.8%. Mean predicted values of MIP [81.2% (74.7-87.8%)] and MEP [95.6% (88.2-103.0%)] did not indicate respiratory muscle weakness. The higher the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, the lower the MIP (p = .011) and MEP (p = .016) values. Physically active patients presented higher respiratory muscle strength than those sedentary (MIP: 104.5 vs. 71.9 cmH2O, p < .001; MEP: 120.0 vs. 91.1 cmH2O, p = .004). Functional capacity was impaired [6MWT: 416.0 m (372.8-459.3 m); ISWT: 304 m (263.4-344.9 m)], and distance covered in the ISWT was shorter than 6MWT group (p < .001). Distance covered in the ISWT group presented a moderate positive correlation with MIP (r = 0.45; p = .022) and MEP (r = 0.41; p = .041).

CONCLUSION

Most patients with HF presented respiratory muscle strength close to predicted values; however, sedentary patients and those with high NYHA functional class, showed reduced MIP and MEP. Functional capacity was reduced, and MIP and MEP correlated with distance covered in the ISWT.

Standardised Exercise Prescription for Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome and/or Heart Failure: A Consensus Statement from the EXPERT Working Group

Whereas exercise training, as part of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, is a key component in the management of patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) and/or congestive heart failure (CHF), physicians and exercise professionals disagree among themselves on the type and characteristics of the exercise to be prescribed to these patients, and the exercise prescriptions are not consistent with the international guidelines. This impacts the efficacy and quality of the intervention of rehabilitation. To overcome these barriers, a digital training and decision support system [i.e. EXercise Prescription in Everyday practice & Rehabilitative Training (EXPERT) tool], i.e. a stepwise aid to exercise prescription in patients with CCS and/or CHF, affected by concomitant risk factors and comorbidities, in the setting of multidisciplinary rehabilitation, was developed. The EXPERT working group members reviewed the literature and formulated exercise recommendations (exercise training intensity, frequency, volume, type, session and programme duration) and safety precautions for CCS and/or CHF (including heart transplantation). Also, highly prevalent comorbidities (e.g. peripheral arterial disease) or cardiac devices (e.g. pacemaker, implanted cardioverter defibrillator, left-ventricular assist device) were considered, as well as indications for the in-hospital phase (e.g. after coronary revascularisation or hospitalisation for CHF). The contributions of physical fitness, medications and adverse events during exercise testing were also considered. The EXPERT tool was developed on the basis of this evidence. In this paper, the exercise prescriptions for patients with CCS and/or CHF formulated for the EXPERT tool are presented. Finally, to demonstrate how the EXPERT tool proposes exercise prescriptions in patients with CCS and/or CHF with different combinations of CVD risk factors, three patient cases with solutions are presented.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in women with heart failure: a review of enrollment, adherence, and outcomes

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is an evidence-based recommendation for patients with stable heart failure (HF). Less clear is how effective exercise-based CR is for women with HF. The aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence for the effects of exercise-based CR on mortality, hospitalizations, exercise capacity, and quality of life (QOL) among women with HF. We identified 18 studies comprising 4917 patients, of which 1714 were women. The interventions evaluated consisted of various combinations of supervised in-hospital and out-patient sessions as well as home-based programs that included aerobic (walking, treadmill, bicycle) and resistance training. The interventions ranged from 12 to 54 weeks, with a frequency of 2-7 sessions per week, lasting from 30 to 105 min per session. Because of a paucity of sex-specific analyses of the outcomes, it was not possible to draw conclusions for women. There was limited evidence for mortality benefit for men or women participating in exercise-based CR. There was more substantial evidence for reductions in hospitalizations for the participants. Generally, exercise training improved exercise capacity. The effects of exercise-based CR on QOL were mixed with most studies favoring CR at 3 months but not at 4, 5, and 12 months. Moreover, generally, the physical dimension of QOL but not the mental dimensions improved. Recommendations for future research to reduce the gap in knowledge about the effects of exercise-based CR for women are offered.

The Pathophysiology and New Advancements in the Pharmacologic and Exercise-Based Management of Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: A Narrative Review

Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) is a clinical syndrome whose management has significantly evolved based on the pathophysiology and disease process. It is widely prevalent, has a relatively high mortality rate, and is comparatively more common in men than women. In HFrEF, the series of maladaptive processes that occur lead to an inability of the muscle of the left ventricle to pump blood efficiently and effectively, causing cardiac dysfunction. The neurohormonal and hemodynamic adaptations play a significant role in the advancement of the disease and are critical to guiding the treatment and management of HFrEF. The first-line therapy, which includes loop diuretics, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin II receptor blockers, hydralazine/isosorbide-dinitrate, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), has been proven to provide symptomatic relief and decrease mortality and complications. The newly recommended drugs for guideline-based therapy, angiotensin receptor/neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, soluble guanylate cyclase, and myosin activators and modulators have also been shown to improve cardiac function, reverse cardiac remodeling, and reduce mortality rates. Recent studies have demonstrated that exercise-based therapy has resulted in an improved quality of life, exercise capacity, cardiac function, and decreased hospital readmission rates, but it has not had a considerable reduction in mortality rates. Combining multiple therapies alongside holistic advances such as exercise therapy may provide synergistic benefits, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for patients with HFrEF. Although first-line treatment, novel pharmacologic management, and exercise-based therapy have been shown to improve prognosis, the existing literature suggests a need for further studies evaluating the long-term effects of MRA and ARNI.

Global trends and frontiers in research on exercise training for heart failure: a bibliometric analysis from 2002 to 2022

Background

Heart failure is a common cardiovascular disease that imposes a heavy clinical and economic burden worldwide. Previous research and guidelines have supported exercise training as a safe, effective, and cost-efficient treatment to intervene in heart failure. The aim of this study was to analyze the global published literature in the field of exercise training for heart failure from 2002 to 2022, and to identify hot spots and frontiers within this research field.

Methods

Bibliometric information on literature on the topic of exercise training for heart failure published between 2002 and 2022 was searched and collected in the Web of Science Core Collection. CiteSpace 6.1.R6 (Basic) and VOSviewer (1.6.18) were applied to perform bibliometric and knowledge mapping visualization analyses.

Results

A total of 2017 documents were retrieved, with an upward-stable trend in the field of exercise training for heart failure. The US authors were in the first place with 667 documents (33.07%), followed by Brazilian authors (248, 12.30%) and Italian authors (182, 9.02%). The Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil was the institution with the highest number of publications (130, 6.45%). The top 5 active authors were all from the USA, with Christopher Michael O'Connor and William Erle Kraus publishing the most documents (51, 2.53%). The International Journal of Cardiology (83, 4.12%) and the Journal of Applied Physiology (78, 3.87%) were the two most popular journals, while Cardiac Cardiovascular Systems (983, 48.74%) and Physiology (299, 14.82%) were the two most popular categories. Based on the results of keyword co-occurrence network and co-cited reference network, the hot spots and frontiers of research in the field of exercise training for heart failure were high-intensity interval training, behaviour therapy, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, and systematic reviews.

Conclusion

The field of exercise training for heart failure has experienced two decades of steady and rapid development, and the findings of this bibliometric analysis provide ideas and references for relevant stakeholders such as subsequent researchers for further exploration.

Kardiologische Rehabilitation als effektive Sekundärprävention

Ziele der kardiologischen Rehabilitation (kurz: KardReha) sind die Wiederherstellung der individuell bestmöglichen physischen und psychischen Gesundheit kardiovaskulär erkrankter Patienten durch die Therapie in einem multidisziplinären Team, diese nachhaltig zu stabilisieren und die berufliche und soziale Re-Integration zu ermöglichen. Auf der Basis einer S3-Leitlinie zur KardReha im deutschsprachigen Raum Europas führt die Teilnahme an einer KardReha bei Patienten nach akutem Koronarsyndrom und nach Bypass-Operation zu einer signifikanten Reduktion der Gesamtmortalität. Bei Patienten mit systolischer Herzinsuffizienz werden die körperliche Belastbarkeit und die Lebensqualität signifikant verbessert. Nach operativer oder interventioneller Herzklappenkorrektur werden die körperliche Belastbarkeit sowie die Lebensqualität gesteigert, und in ersten Studien zeigen sich Signale für eine Mortalitätsreduktion. Daher sollte die KardReha ein integraler Bestandteil einer am langfristigen Erfolg orientierten Behandlung sein.

Physical Therapy for Adults with Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a complex clinical syndrome caused by structural and/or functional abnormalities that results in significant disease burdens not only to the patients and their families but also to the society. Common symptoms/signs of HF include dyspnea, fatigue, and exercise intolerance, which significantly reduce the quality of life of individuals. Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2019, it has been found that individuals with cardiovascular disease are more vulnerable to COVID-19-related cardiac sequelae including HF. In this article, we review the updated diagnosis, classifications, and interventional guidelines of HF. We also discuss the link between COVID-19 and HF. The latest evidence about physical therapy for patients with HF in both the stable chronic phase and acute cardiac decompensation phase is reviewed. Physical therapy for HF patients with circulatory support devices is also described.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Exercises on Patients with Chronic Heart Failure (TCE-HF): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is safe and effective for chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of traditional Chinese exercise (TCE) on patients with CHF and the impact of exercise types and duration. Evaluation of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCE in patients with CHF published since 1997 from PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Chongqing VIP, Wanfang Databases, and the China National Knowledge was performed. A total of 41 RCTs, including 3209 patients with CHF, were included. It showed that TCE significantly increased 6-min walk distance (6MWD) [mean difference (MD) = 72.82 m, p < 0.001] and left ventricular ejection fraction (MD = 5.09%, p < 0.001), whereas reduced B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (MD = −56.80 pg/mL, p < 0.001), N-terminal pro-BNP (MD = −174.94 pg/mL, p < 0.05), and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire scores (MD = −11.31, p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was found in the effects of TCE on peak oxygen consumption. The increase in TCE weekly duration and program duration significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 71.91 m, p < 0.001; MD = 74.11 m, p < 0.001). The combination of TCE and conventional aerobic exercise significantly improved 6MWD (MD = 19.86 m, p < 0.005). TCE improves exercise capacity, cardiac function, and quality of life in patients with CHF, which might be an optimal and available pattern of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation.

[Mechano-energetic defects in heart failure]

Heart failure is characterized by defects in excitation-contraction coupling, energetic deficit and oxidative stress. The energy for cardiac contraction and relaxation is provided in mitochondria, whose function is tightly regulated by excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes. In heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), alterations in the ion balance in cardiac myocytes impair mitochondrial Ca²⁺ uptake, which is required for activation of the Krebs cycle, causing an energetic deficit and oxidative stress in mitochondria. Recent clinical studies suggest that in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), in stark contrast to HFrEF, hypercontractility often occurs as an attempt to compensate for a pathological increase in systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance. This hypercontractility increases cardiac energy and oxygen demands at rest and reduces the contractile, diastolic and coronary reserves, preventing an adequate increase in cardiac output during exercise. Moreover, increased contractility causes long-term maladaptive remodeling processes due to oxidative stress and redox-sensitive prohypertrophic signaling pathways. As overweight and diabetes, particularly in the interplay with hemodynamic stress, are important risk factors for the development of HFpEF, interventions targeting metabolism in particular could ameliorate the development and progression of HFpEF.

Sudden cardiac death prevention in the era of novel heart failure medications

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) occurs unexpectedly and is usually a result of ventricular arrhythmia in patients with structural heart disease. The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), with or without biventricular pacing, has been proven to be protective for heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction of <35 % (HFrEF). This device therapy prevents SCD, with additional optimal medications, namely angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor-blockers, beta-blockers and mineralocorticoid receptor-antagonists. HFrEF patients present the majority of SCD incidents, as they are characterized by cardiac fibrosis, the main arrhythmogenic element. The introduction of angiotensin-receptor-neprilysin inhibitors, sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors and guanylate-cyclase stimulators was associated with reduction of SCD. Additionally, clinical trials have evaluated the improved outcome of these new medications on left ventricular ejection fraction, arrhythmias and HFrEF. These beneficial effects could possibly lead to important changes in decision-making on ICD implantation for primary prevention in patients with HFrEF and reduce the need for device therapy. In this review, we highlight the pathophysiological mechanisms of the new drug agents, and evaluate the possible effect they could have on the role of device therapy as a primary prevention of SCD.

The Role of Exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Heart Failure

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) is a treatment modality for patients with heart failure (HF) that has withstood the test of time. It has continued to show benefits even in the current era of pharmacotherapeutics for HF. Participation in a multidisciplinary comprehensive EBCR programme reduces mortality and morbidity, has a multitude of physiological benefits, and improves cardiovascular risk factor control and quality of life. Despite this, historical barriers to enrolment and uptake remain. Strategies to overcome these, as well as alternative delivery methods of EBCR in HF patients, are emerging and include telerehabilitation, focus on special groups and emphasis on behavioural change. This review provides oversight on the modalities of exercise training in HF as well as their benefits and gives an overview of barriers to the utilisation of EBCR along with future progress in the field.

Relationship Between Physical Symptoms and Loneliness in Patients with Heart Failure: The Serial Mediating Roles of Activities of Daily Living and Social Isolation

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to examine the multiple mediation effects of activities of daily living and social isolation on the relationship between physical symptoms and loneliness in patients with heart failure.

DESIGN

We adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A total of 303 patients with heart failure were recruited at 2 general hospitals in China from November 2019 to December 2020.

METHODS

Information on loneliness was assessed using the Loneliness Scale of the University of California at Los Angeles (version 3), physical symptoms were evaluated using the Symptom Status Questionnaire-Heart Failure, the Activity of Daily Living Scale was used to evaluate activities of daily living, the Lubben Social Network Scale was used to measure social isolation. The serial mediation model was examined using PROCESS macro in SPSS.

RESULTS

Of the 303 patients, 66.7% experienced mild loneliness and 21.8% experienced moderate or severe loneliness. Multiple mediation analysis showed that physical symptoms had a direct effect on loneliness (effect = 0.210; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.099-0.320) and the link between physical symptoms and loneliness through 3 indirect pathways: (1) activities of daily living (effect = 0.043; 95% CI 0.006‒0.086), accounting for 20.48% of the total effect; (2) social isolation (effect = 0.060; 95% CI 0.005‒0.120), accounting for 28.57% of the total effect; and (3) activities of daily living and social isolation in series (effect = 0.049; 95% CI 0.024‒0.081), accounting for 23.33% of the total effect. The total mediating effect was 72.38%.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Activities of daily living and social isolation sequentially mediated the relationship between physical symptoms and loneliness in patients with heart failure. Therefore, attention to reducing activities of daily living limitations and social isolation may be beneficial to reducing loneliness, apart from alleviating physical symptoms.

Return to Sport From Viral Myocarditis in a Previously Healthy Collegiate Athlete: A Case Report

The objective of this paper is to present the case of a healthy, 19-year-old female collegiate soccer player who developed acute pulmonary edema and acute heart failure in the recovery room after hip labral arthroscopic surgery. The patient's initial diagnosis, of negative pressure pulmonary edema in direct relation to extubation, was questioned when she became hemodynamically unstable. A cardiac biopsy revealed acute pulmonary edema and heart failure secondary to viral myocarditis. The patient was treated and discharged 10 days after admission. Specific and substantiated return-to-play guidelines after a cardiac event, specifically viral myocarditis, have been sparse. The interprofessional collaboration between athletic trainers and cardiologists is a key dynamic in the clinical decision-making process of a safe return to competitive athletic participation after a cardiac event.

Cardiac rehabilitation in heart failure with severely reduced ejection fraction: effects on mortality

Thirty years ago, patients with low ejection fraction (EF) have often been excluded from rehabilitation programs due to concern about possibility of sudden death or other adverse cardiovascular events during exercise sessions. Recent studies have highlighted the fact that cardiac rehabilitation could improve exercise capacity, cardiac function, and health-related quality of life in congestive heart failure patients. This encouraged us to write a review article and update our latest knowledge about the outcome of rehabilitation program in patients with severely depressed cardiac function. We were particularly interested in effect of cardiac rehabilitation on exercise capacity, quality of life, vascular effects, neuro-hormonal changes, and mortality. We also conducted a mini-systematic review and meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials comparing exercise training with usual care in patients with severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, for the mortality subsection to obtain precise estimates of overall treatment benefit on mortality. It is our privilege to submit our manuscript for possible publication in your prestigious journal.

[Cardiac rehabilitation: investigation of efficacy, results, perspectives]

Previous research experience on cardiac rehabilitation programs as a part of general health care system has shown that they are an important part of the management of cardiovascular patients. Improving quality of life, reducing the severity of risk factors, increasing physical performance, slowing disease progression, decrease in morbidity and mortality indicate the clinical efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation and make it an integral part of therapeutic interventions. Heart rehabilitation is a 1st class recommendation in the majority of modern cardiovascular guidelines around the world.

Kardiologische Rehabilitation

A scientific guideline has been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in German speaking countries of Europe. It addresses all aspects of CR including indications, contents and delivery. Four meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic effect of CR after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), after coronary bypass grafting (CABG), in patients with systolic heart failure (HFrEF), and to define the effect of psychological interventions during CR. Other indications for CR were based on a predefined semi-structured literature search and recommendations were established by a formal consenting process. CR is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in patients after ACS and CABG, whereas HFrEF-patients benefit in terms of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Patients with other cardiovascular diseases such as heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease and peripheral arterial disease also benefit from CR-participation, but the scientific evidence is less clear. There is increasing evidence that the beneficial effect of CR strongly depends on “treatment intensity” including medical supervision, modulation of cardiovascular risk factors, information and education, and a minimum of individually adapted exercise volume. Additional psychologic interventions (PI) should be performed on the basis of individual needs. There was a trend towards reduction of depressive symptoms for “distress management” and “lifestyle changes” for PI. Patient education is able to increase patients` knowledge and motivation as well as behavior changes regarding physical activity, dietary habits and smoking cessation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. This guideline reinforces the substantial benefit of CR in specific cardiac indications, and it points out the minimal therapeutic needs in CR-delivery.

Exercise and nutritional interventions on sarcopenia and frailty in heart failure: a narrative review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses

The purpose of this review is to describe the present evidence for exercise and nutritional interventions as potential contributors in the treatment of sarcopenia and frailty (i.e. muscle mass and physical function decline) and the risk of cardiorenal metabolic comorbidity in people with heart failure (HF). Evidence primarily from cross-sectional studies suggests that the prevalence of sarcopenia in people with HF is 37% for men and 33% for women, which contributes to cardiac cachexia, frailty, lower quality of life, and increased mortality rate. We explored the impact of resistance and aerobic exercise, and nutrition on measures of sarcopenia and frailty, and quality of life following the assessment of 35 systematic reviews and meta-analyses. The majority of clinical trials have focused on resistance, aerobic, and concurrent exercise to counteract the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength in people with HF, while promising effects have also been shown via utilization of vitamin D and iron supplementation by reducing tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a), c-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Experimental studies combining the concomitant effect of exercise and nutrition on measures of sarcopenia and frailty in people with HF are scarce. There is a pressing need for further research and well-designed clinical trials incorporating the anabolic and anti-catabolic effects of concurrent exercise and nutrition strategies in people with HF.

Prolonged mean response time in older adults with cardiovascular risk compared to healthy older adults

Background

During incremental exercise (Inc-Ex), the mean response time (MRT) of oxygen uptake (V̇O₂) represents the time delay before changes in muscle V̇O₂ reflect at the mouth level. MRT calculation by linear regression or monoexponential (τ’) fitting of V̇O₂ data are known to be highly variable, and a combination of incremental and constant load exercise (CL-Ex) is more reproducible.

Methods

We evaluated MRT in older adults using linear regression and combination methods. We recruited 20 healthy adults (male: 9, 69.4 ± 6.8 years) and 10 cardiovascular risk subjects (male: 8, 73.0 ± 8.8 years). On day 1, they performed Inc-Ex using a 10W/min ramp protocol, for determination of the ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) using the V-slope method. On day 2, they performed Inc-Ex to VAT exercise intensity and CL-Ex for 25min total. The MRT was calculated from the CL-Ex V̇O₂ average and the time at equivalent V̇O₂ in the Inc-Ex. We also assessed the amount of physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short form (IPAQ-SF).

Results

The MRT of healthy participants and those at cardiovascular risk were 49.2 ± 36.3 vs. 83.6 ± 45.4s (p = 0.033). Total physical activity in the IPAQ-SF was inversely correlated with MRT.

Conclusion

The MRT was significantly prolonged in cardiovascular risk participants compared to healthy participants, possibly related to the amount of daily physical activity. Individual MRT may be useful for adjustment of exercise intensity, but this should also be based on daily physical activity and individual condition during exercise.

Influence of Risk Factors on Exercise Tolerance in Patients after Myocardial Infarction—Early Cardiac Rehabilitation in Poland

(1) Background: Prognosis in patients with cardiovascular diseases is significantly influenced by lifestyle and the control of risk factors. Patients after myocardial infarction require special care and promptly introduced cardiac rehabilitation. The primary aim of this study was to identify risk factors and their influence on exercise tolerance before and after cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provided under the Coordinated Specialist Care Programme—Infarct (CSC-Infarct). (2) Methods: The study was carried out at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre of Slupsk Specialist Hospital on a group of 112 patients aged 35–87 (62.78 ± 10.09 years) after myocardial infarction (MI), participating in CSC-Infarct. An exercise test (treadmill ECG test), the 6 min walk test (6MWT), echocardiography, blood test (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, TG), measurement of diastolic pressure ratio (DPr), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and BMI were performed in participants on the first and last day of CR. Rating of perceived exertion was assessed with Borg’s scale. (3) Results: The overweight variable had the strongest effect on the increased value of initial: HR rest, HR max, and HR 1 min after exercise compared to subjects with normal BMI. DPr values before and after CR were also higher in overweight patients. Scores of 6MWT were higher in smokers compared to non-smokers. The final MET value was significantly higher in non-diabetic subjects. Hyperlipidaemia was associated with a higher initial HR max and initial HR 1 min after exercise. DPr before CR was also higher. The initial and final MET values were lower in hypertensive patients. Borg’s rating of perceived exertion measured after the final exercise test was also higher in hypertensive patients. Hypertension influenced the initial and final 6MWT scores, which were significantly higher in normotensive patients. (4) Conclusions: CR within CSC-infarction in patients after myocardial infarction improves exercise tolerance. Exercise tolerance in post-MI patients with concomitant risk factors is lower compared to post-MI patients without risk factors.

Optimal effectiveness of heart failure management - an umbrella review of meta-analyses examining the effectiveness of interventions to reduce (re)hospitalizations in heart failure

Heart failure (HF) is a major health concern, which accounts for 1-2% of all hospital admissions. Nevertheless, there remains a knowledge gap concerning which interventions contribute to effective prevention of HF (re)hospitalization. Therefore, this umbrella review aims to systematically review meta-analyses that examined the effectiveness of interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. An electronic literature search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, PsycInfo, Cochrane Reviews, CINAHL, and Medline to identify eligible studies published in the English language in the past 10 years. Primarily, to synthesize the meta-analyzed data, a best-evidence synthesis was used in which meta-analyses were classified based on level of validity. Secondarily, all unique RCTS were extracted from the meta-analyses and examined. A total of 44 meta-analyses were included which encompassed 186 unique RCTs. Strong or moderate evidence suggested that catheter ablation, cardiac resynchronization therapy, cardiac rehabilitation, telemonitoring, and RAAS inhibitors could reduce (re)hospitalization. Additionally, limited evidence suggested that multidisciplinary clinic or self-management promotion programs, beta-blockers, statins, and mitral valve therapy could reduce HF hospitalization. No, or conflicting evidence was found for the effects of cell therapy or anticoagulation. This umbrella review highlights different levels of evidence regarding the effectiveness of several interventions in reducing HF-related (re)hospitalization in HFrEF patients. It could guide future guideline development in optimizing care pathways for heart failure patients.

Outcomes With Multidisciplinary Cardiac Rehabilitation in Post-acute Systolic Heart Failure Patients-A Retrospective Propensity Score-Matched Study

Background

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is recommended for patients with acute heart failure (HF). However, the results of outcome studies and meta-analyses on CR in post-acute care are varied. We aimed to assess the medium- to long-term impact of CR and ascertain the predictors of successful CR.

Methods

In this propensity score-matched retrospective cohort study, records of consecutive patients who survived acute HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <40) and participated in a multidisciplinary HF rehabilitation program post-discharge between May 2014 and July 2019 were reviewed. Patients in the CR group had at least one exercise session within 3 months of discharge; the others were in the non-CR group. After propensity score matching, the primary (all-cause mortality) and secondary (HF readmission and life quality assessment) outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Among 792 patients, 142 attended at least one session of phase II CR. After propensity score matching for covariates related to HF prognosis, 518 patients were included in the study (CR group, 137 patients). The all-cause mortality rate was 24.9% and the HF rehospitalization rate was 34.6% in the median 3.04-year follow-up. Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that the CR group had a significant reduction in all-cause mortality compared to the non-CR group (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.490, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.308-0.778). A lower risk of the primary outcome with CR was observed in patients on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors, but was not seen in patients who were not prescribed this class of medications (interaction p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Cardiac rehabilitation participation was associated with reduced all-cause mortality after acute systolic heart failure hospital discharge. Our finding that the benefit of CR was decreased in patients not prescribed RAAS inhibitors warrants further evaluation.

Prognostic Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients With Heart Failure (from a Multicenter Prospective Cohort Study)

The prognostic effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are inconsistent in recent reports on heart failure (HF). Generally, participants in previous trials were relatively young and had HF with reduced ejection fraction. Herein, we examined the effects of CR on HF prognosis using a nationwide cohort study. This multicenter prospective cohort study included hospitalized patients with acute HF or worsening chronic HF. Patients who underwent CR once or more times weekly for 6 months after discharge were included in the CR group. The main study end point was a composite of all-cause mortality and HF rehospitalization during a 2-year follow-up period. We performed propensity score matching to compare the survival rates between the CR and non-CR groups. Of the 2,876 enrolled patients, 313 underwent CR for 6 months. After propensity score matching using confounding factors, 626 patients (313 pairs) were included in the survival analysis (median age: 74 years). CR was associated with a reduced risk of composite outcomes (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.48 to 0.91; p = 0.011), all-cause mortality (HR 0.53; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.95; p = 0.032), and HF rehospitalization (HR 0.66; 95% CI 47 to 0.92; p = 0.012). Subgroup analysis showed similar CR effects in patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) and HF with reduced ejection fraction (<40%). In the landmark analysis, CR did not reduce the aforementioned end points beyond 6 months after discharge (log-rank test: composite outcomes, p = 0.943; all-cause mortality, p = 0.258; HF rehospitalization, p = 0.831). CR is a standard treatment for HF regardless of HF type; however, further challenges may affect the long-term prognostic effects of CR.

Testing of a health-related quality of life model in patients with heart failure: A cross-sectional, correlational study

Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and behavioral factors can affect health-related quality of life (HRQOL) through different pathways, but the relationships have not been fully tested in prior theoretical models. The purpose of this study was to examine direct and indirect relationships of demographic (age), biological/physiological (comorbidity), psychological (depressive symptoms), social (social support), physical (physical symptoms and functional status), and behavioral (dietary sodium adherence) factors to HRQOL. Data from 358 patients with heart failure were analyzed using structural equation modeling. There was a good model fit: Chi-square = 5.488, p = .241, RMSEA = .032, CFI = .998, TLI = .985, and SRMR = .018. Psychological symptoms, physical symptoms, and demographic factors were directly and indirectly associated, while behavioral and biological/physiological factors were indirectly associated with HRQOL through different pathways. Behavioral factors need to be included, and psychological factors and physical factors need to be separated in theoretical models of HRQOL.

Current state of cardiac rehabilitation in Portugal: Results of the 2019 national survey

INTRODUCTION

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs have a central role in cardiovascular medicine, encompassing a comprehensive framework able to holistically address various facets of cardiovascular disease. However, several obstacles to their optimal application have been reported. Over the years, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology has periodically conducted a national survey on the state of CR in Portugal.

OBJECTIVES

This study reports the results of the 2019 survey on CR.

METHODS

In December 2019 a voluntary questionnaire was sent to centers offering CR programs, consisting of several items concerning this intervention.

RESULTS

In 2019, 25 centers provided structured CR programs. A total of 2182 patients underwent phase II programs, representing an increase of 13% from the previous survey. Of these, 67.2% were referred due to ischemic heart disease, and 14.5% due to heart failure. Acute coronary syndromes (ACS) comprised 49.3% of referrals, leading to an estimated 9.3% CR coverage. A total of 606 patients participated in phase III programs (a decrease of 37%). Drop-out rates ranged from 0-68%; 91% of centers presented drop-out rates <25%.

CONCLUSION

The present survey shows an increase in the number of centers and patients undergoing phase II CR, and an increase in the estimated CR coverage after ACS. Despite this, the level of increase means that overall patient representation remained below the optimal range, while the data also showed a decrease in the number of patients in phase III programs. These findings reinforce the importance of optimization of CR entry and maintenance, in order to improve the uptake of this pivotal intervention.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Early after Sternotomy Using New Assistive VR-Enhanced Robotic Exoskeleton-Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

(1) Background and objective: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) means delivering health education by structured exercises with the means of risk reduction, in a cost-effective manner. Well-conducted CR improves functional capacity, decreases re-hospitalization, and reduces mortality up to 25%. We bring to attention the protocol of a randomised control trial with the aim of validating the prototype of an assistive upper-body robotic exoskeleton system enhanced with a non-immersive virtual reality exergame (CardioVR-ReTone) in patients who undergone cardiac surgery. (2) Methods: Description of the CardioVR-ReTone system and the technical specification, followed by the group selection, randomization and evaluated variables. (3) Expected results: The primary outcome measurement is the modification of life quality at the end of the CR exercise training program. Secondary outcomes will encompass measurements of sternal stability, muscular activity, cardiac response to exercise, pain level and compliance/adherence to CR. (4) Conclusions: Implementing these novel features of the CardioVR-ReTone system, addressability, and efficacy of CR, so problematic in certain situations and especially in cardiac surgery, will be greatly facilitated, being independent of the skills and availability of the rehabilitation therapist.

Efficacy and Safety of Different Aerobic Exercise Intensities in Patients With Heart Failure With Reduced Ejection Fraction: Design of a Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (HF-EI Trial)

Background: Heart failure (HF) is one of the major causes of mortality worldwide, representing the terminal stage of several cardiovascular diseases. Exercise-based rehabilitation is a beneficial therapy for patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). However, there is a lack of specific guidance on clinical decision-making regarding optimal exercise intensity. It is necessary to optimize the clinical recommendations for HF exercises. We will evaluate the efficacy and safety of different aerobic exercise intensities in patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF): the HF-EI trial. This trial aims to assess the appropriate exercise intensity for patients with HFrEF.

Methods: After a baseline assessment to determine the safety of exercise, 180 patients will be randomly assigned to supervised high-intensity exercise training (ET) group, supervised moderate intensity training (MIT) group, and control group at a ratio of 1:1:1. Patients randomly receiving high intensity training (HIT) undergo supervised ET (3 times/week, 30 min) for aerobic endurance at 70% peak oxygen consumption (peak VO₂) intensity for 12 weeks. The MIT patients will perform supervised aerobic ET (3 times/week, 35–42 min) at the anaerobic threshold (AT) intensity for 12 weeks. The control group will continue to maintain their daily activities and will not receive ET. During the baseline and follow-up period, physical examination, laboratory tests, cardiology diagnostic tests, cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPET), 6-min walk distance (6MWD), scale scores, exercise steps, medications, and clinical events will be monitored. Throughout the research, sport bracelets and patient diaries will be used to monitor and record overall physical activity, training courses, and compliance.

Discussion: The HF-EI trial will evaluate the effects of different aerobic exercise intensities on peak VO₂, quality of life (QoL), and clinical events among patients with HFrEF. The findings of this trial will provide a basis for formulating exercise prescriptions for patients with HFrEF.

Clinical Trial Registration:http://www.chictr.org.cn/, identifier: ChiCTR2000036381.

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.

[Cardiac rehabilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany - a quick poll of the German Society of rehabilitation and Prevention of Heart and Circulation Diseases (DGPR)]

Hintergrund

In Deutschland hat die COVID-19-Pandemie die kardiologische Versorgung sowohl im ambulanten als auch im akutstationären Bereich unter anderem durch die Absage elektiver Eingriffe erheblich verändert. Um Hinweise darauf zu bekommen, inwieweit dies auch für Einrichtungen der kardiologischen Rehabilitation gilt, ist diese Untersuchung durchgeführt worden.

Methode

Im August 2020 wurden alle 107 Mitgliedseinrichtungen der DGPR kontaktiert und gebeten, an einer Online-Erhebung teilzunehmen, bei der 12 Fragenkomplexe zum Thema beantwortet werden sollten.

Ergebnisse

Ende August lagen von 45 Einrichtungen Daten vor. 31,1% der befragten Einrichtungen rehabilitierten Patienten mit kardialen Komplikationen/Manifestationen einer COVID-19 Erkrankung, überwiegend nach akutem Koronarsyndrom (29,6%) und Lungenarterienembolie (25,9%). Mehr als 40% der Einrichtungen mussten teilweise oder komplett schließen und 14% befürchteten eine teilweise oder komplette Schließung zum Ende des Jahres 2020. Kosten für die Testung bei Verdacht auf SARS-CoV-2-Infektion hatten die Einrichtungen überwiegend (72,1%) zu tragen.

Schlussfolgerung

Die vorliegende Untersuchung gibt trotz der Limitationen einer sehr kurzfristigen Datenerhebung und einer Rücklaufquote von ca. 45% Hinweise auf die herausfordernde Situation der COVID-19-Pandemie für kardiologische Rehabilitationseinrichtungen in Deutschland.

Cardiac rehabilitation and all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure: a retrospective cohort study

AIMS 

Despite the benefits of exercise training in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, there are conflicting findings for the impact of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on mortality for patients with heart failure (HF). The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the association of exercise-based CR with all-cause mortality, hospitalisation, stroke, and atrial fibrillation in patients with heart failure.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted which utilized a global federated health research network, primarily in the USA. Patients with a diagnosis of HF were compared between those with and without an electronic medical record of CR and/or exercise programmes within 6 months of an HF diagnosis. Patients with HF undergoing exercise-based CR were propensity score matched to HF patients without exercise-based CR by age, sex, race, comorbidities, medications, and procedures (controls). We ascertained 2-year incidence of all-cause mortality, hospitalization, stroke, and atrial fibrillation. Following propensity score matching, a total of 40 364 patients with HF were identified. Exercise-based CR was associated with 42% lower odds of all-cause mortality [odds ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.54-0.62], 26% lower odds of hospitalization (0.74, 95% CI 0.71-0.77), 37% lower odds of incident stroke (0.63, 95% CI 0.51-0.79), and 53% lower odds of incident atrial fibrillation (0.47, 95% CI 0.4-0.55) compared to controls, after propensity score matching. The beneficial association of CR and exercise on all-cause mortality was consistent across all subgroups, including patients with HFrEF (0.52, 95% CI 0.48-0.56) and HFpEF (0.65, 95% CI 0.60-0.71).

CONCLUSION 

Exercise-based CR was associated with lower odds of all-cause mortality, hospitalizations, incident stroke, and incident atrial fibrillation at 2-year follow-up for patients with HF (including patients with HFrEF and HFpEF).

Cardiac Rehabilitation in German Speaking Countries of Europe-Evidence-Based Guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH-Part 2

Background: Scientific guidelines have been developed to update and harmonize exercise based cardiac rehabilitation (ebCR) in German speaking countries. Key recommendations for ebCR indications have recently been published in part 1 of this journal. The present part 2 updates the evidence with respect to contents and delivery of ebCR in clinical practice, focusing on exercise training (ET), psychological interventions (PI), patient education (PE). In addition, special patients’ groups and new developments, such as telemedical (Tele) or home-based ebCR, are discussed as well. Methods: Generation of evidence and search of literature have been described in part 1. Results: Well documented evidence confirms the prognostic significance of ET in patients with coronary artery disease. Positive clinical effects of ET are described in patients with congestive heart failure, heart valve surgery or intervention, adults with congenital heart disease, and peripheral arterial disease. Specific recommendations for risk stratification and adequate exercise prescription for continuous-, interval-, and strength training are given in detail. PI when added to ebCR did not show significant positive effects in general. There was a positive trend towards reduction in depressive symptoms for “distress management” and “lifestyle changes”. PE is able to increase patients’ knowledge and motivation, as well as behavior changes, regarding physical activity, dietary habits, and smoking cessation. The evidence for distinct ebCR programs in special patients’ groups is less clear. Studies on Tele-CR predominantly included low-risk patients. Hence, it is questionable, whether clinical results derived from studies in conventional ebCR may be transferred to Tele-CR. Conclusions: ET is the cornerstone of ebCR. Additional PI should be included, adjusted to the needs of the individual patient. PE is able to promote patients self-management, empowerment, and motivation. Diversity-sensitive structures should be established to interact with the needs of special patient groups and gender issues. Tele-CR should be further investigated as a valuable tool to implement ebCR more widely and effectively.

Establishing a cardiac training group for patients with heart failure: the "HIP-in-Würzburg" study

Background

Exercise training in heart failure (HF) is recommended but not routinely offered, because of logistic and safety-related reasons. In 2020, the German Society for Prevention&Rehabilitation and the German Society for Cardiology requested establishing dedicated “HF training groups.” Here, we aimed to implement and evaluate the feasibility and safety of one of the first HF training groups in Germany.

Methods

Twelve patients (three women) with symptomatic HF (NYHA class II/III) and an ejection fraction ≤ 45% participated and were offered weekly, physician-supervised exercise training for 1 year. Patients received a wrist-worn pedometer (M430 Polar) and underwent the following assessments at baseline and after 4, 8 and 12 months: cardiopulmonary exercise test, 6-min walk test, echocardiography (blinded reading), and quality of life assessment (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire, KCCQ).

Results

All patients (median age [quartiles] 64 [49; 64] years) completed the study and participated in 76% of the offered 36 training sessions. The pedometer was worn ≥ 1000 min per day over 86% of the time. No cardiovascular events occurred during training. Across 12 months, NT-proBNP dropped from 986 pg/ml [455; 1937] to 483 pg/ml [247; 2322], and LVEF increased from 36% [29;41] to 41% [32;46]%, (p for trend = 0.01). We observed no changes in exercise capacity except for a subtle increase in peak VO₂% predicted, from 66.5 [49; 77] to 67 [52; 78]; p for trend = 0.03. The physical function and social limitation domains of the KCCQ improved from 60 [54; 82] to 71 [58; 95, and from 63 [39; 83] to 78 [64; 92]; p for trend = 0.04 and = 0.01, respectively. Positive trends were further seen for the clinical and overall summary scores.

Conclusion

This pilot study showed that the implementation of a supervised HF-exercise program is feasible, safe, and has the potential to improve both quality of life and surrogate markers of HF severity. This first exercise experiment should facilitate the design of risk-adopted training programs for patients with HF.

Cardiac Rehabilitation in German Speaking Countries of Europe-Evidence-Based Guidelines from Germany, Austria and Switzerland LLKardReha-DACH-Part 1

BACKGROUND

Although cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is well accepted in general, CR-attendance and delivery still considerably vary between the European countries. Moreover, clinical and prognostic effects of CR are not well established for a variety of cardiovascular diseases.

METHODS

The guidelines address all aspects of CR including indications, contents and delivery. By processing the guidelines, every step was externally supervised and moderated by independent members of the "Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany" (AWMF). Four meta-analyses were performed to evaluate the prognostic effect of CR after acute coronary syndrome (ACS), after coronary bypass grafting (CABG), in patients with severe chronic systolic heart failure (HFrEF), and to define the effect of psychological interventions during CR. All other indications for CR-delivery were based on a predefined semi-structured literature search and recommendations were established by a formal consenting process including all medical societies involved in guideline generation.

RESULTS

Multidisciplinary CR is associated with a significant reduction in all-cause mortality in patients after ACS and after CABG, whereas HFrEF-patients (left ventricular ejection fraction <40%) especially benefit in terms of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Patients with other cardiovascular diseases also benefit from CR-participation, but the scientific evidence is less clear. There is increasing evidence that the beneficial effect of CR strongly depends on "treatment intensity" including medical supervision, treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, information and education, and a minimum of individually adapted exercise volume. Additional psychologic interventions should be performed on the basis of individual needs.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines reinforce the substantial benefit of CR in specific clinical indications, but also describe remaining deficits in CR-delivery in clinical practice as well as in CR-science with respect to methodology and presentation.