We have located links that may give you full text access.
The role and outcome of cardiac rehabilitation program in patients with atrial fibrillation.
Clinical Cardiology 2018 September
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with diminished cardiac function, and exercise tolerance.
HYPOTHESIS: We sought to investigate the role of cardiac rehabilitation program (CR) in patients with AF.
METHODS: The study included 2165 consecutive patients that participated in our CR program between the years 2009 to 2015. All were evaluated by a standard exercise stress test (EST) at baseline, and upon completion of at least 3 months of training. Participants were dichotomized according to baseline fitness and the degree of functional improvement. The combined primary end point was cardiac related hospitalization or all-cause mortality.
RESULTS: A total of 292 patients had history of AF, with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years old, 76% of which were males. The median predicted baseline fitness of AF patients was significantly lower compared to non-AF patients (103% vs 122%, P < 0.001, respectively). Prominent improvement was achieved in the majority of the patients in both groups (64% among AF patients and 63% among those without AF). Median improvement in fitness between stress tests was significantly higher in patients with AF (124% vs 110%, P < 0.001, respectively). Among AF patients, high baseline fitness was associated with a lower event rates (HR 0.40; 95%CI 0.23-0.70; P = 0.001). Moreover, prominent improvement during CR showed a protective effect (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-0.99; P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION: In patients with AF participating in CR program, low fitness levels at baseline EST are associated with increased risk of total mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization during long-term follow-up. Improvement on follow-up EST diminishes the risk.
HYPOTHESIS: We sought to investigate the role of cardiac rehabilitation program (CR) in patients with AF.
METHODS: The study included 2165 consecutive patients that participated in our CR program between the years 2009 to 2015. All were evaluated by a standard exercise stress test (EST) at baseline, and upon completion of at least 3 months of training. Participants were dichotomized according to baseline fitness and the degree of functional improvement. The combined primary end point was cardiac related hospitalization or all-cause mortality.
RESULTS: A total of 292 patients had history of AF, with a mean age of 68 ± 9 years old, 76% of which were males. The median predicted baseline fitness of AF patients was significantly lower compared to non-AF patients (103% vs 122%, P < 0.001, respectively). Prominent improvement was achieved in the majority of the patients in both groups (64% among AF patients and 63% among those without AF). Median improvement in fitness between stress tests was significantly higher in patients with AF (124% vs 110%, P < 0.001, respectively). Among AF patients, high baseline fitness was associated with a lower event rates (HR 0.40; 95%CI 0.23-0.70; P = 0.001). Moreover, prominent improvement during CR showed a protective effect (HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.69-0.99; P = 0.04).
CONCLUSION: In patients with AF participating in CR program, low fitness levels at baseline EST are associated with increased risk of total mortality or cardiovascular hospitalization during long-term follow-up. Improvement on follow-up EST diminishes the risk.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app