Differential Impact of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Functional Parameters in Elderly versus Non-Elderly Myocardial Infarction Survivors

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Vilela, E (Author) Other; Ladeiras Lopes, R (Author) Other; Torres, S (Author) Other; João, A (Author) Other; Ribeiro, J (Author) Other; Primo, J (Author) Other; Fontes-Carvalho R (Author) FMUP; Campos, L (Author) Other; Miranda, F (Author) Other; Nunes, J (Author) Other; Teixeira, M (Author) Other; Braga, P (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Cardiology

Vol. 145

Pages: 98-105

ISSN: 0008-6312

Publisher: Karger

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 8 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-GTV

DOI: 10.1159/000504875

Abstract (EN): <jats:p>Background: Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR) plays a pivotal role in the management of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Studies have shown that older individuals have a worse prognosis after an AMI, attesting to the importance of risk reduction strategies. We aimed at assessing the impact of age (patients dichotomized as ¿65 years old or <65 years old) on the functional benefits of an EBCR program among AMI survivors. Design: Observational, retrospective cohort study. Participants: All patients admitted due to an AMI who completed a phase II EBCR program after discharge, between November 2012 and April 2017. Intervention: EBCR program. Measurements: Functional parameters were assessed by a symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test. Results: A total of 379 patients were included (30% aged ¿65 years). After the EBCR program, peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) and exercise duration increased significantly. Patients aged ¿65 years presented with more comorbidities and a lower functional capacity. Those aged ¿65 years presented significantly smaller improvements in pVO2 (0.79 ± 2.61 vs. 1.60 ± 3.11 mL/kg/min, p = 0.016) and exercise duration [75 (59¿120) vs. 120 s (60¿180), p = 0.002]. This was maintained after adjusting for several potential confounders. Conclusion: Older patients have a worse functional capacity than their younger counterparts. Still, a contemporary EBCR program was associated with significant functional improvements among those aged ¿65 years. The smaller improvements even after adjustments for potential confounders suggest that physiological differences may contribute to this finding. These results highlight the relevance of EBCR among this higher-risk subgroup.</jats:p>

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8