The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on haemodynamic parameters, respiratory function and cardiovascular disease risk factors in heart failure patients

Dominika Zielińska, Jerzy Bellwon, Andrzej Rynkiewicz, Małgorzata Kusiak-Kaczmarek, Stanisław Bakuła

Dominika Zielińska, Jerzy Bellwon, Andrzej Rynkiewicz, Małgorzata Kusiak-Kaczmarek, Stanisław Bakuła – The impact of cardiac rehabilitation on haemodynamic parameters, respiratory function and cardiovascular disease risk factors in heart failure patients. Fizjoterapia Polska 2008; 8(2); 139-152

Abstract
Background. Recent scientific data are revealing an epidemic of heart failure. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on left ventricular function and spirometry results and assess the usefulness of cardiac rehabilitation for modification of cardiovascular risk factors. Material and methods. 61 patients with NTHA class II-III heart failure (54 men, 7 women) aged 60±10 years, LVEF≤ 40%; 51 due to coronary artery disease and 10 due to non-ischaemic dilatedcardiomyopathy. 43 patients (REHAB group) underwent 3 week ambulatory exercise program. 18 subjects refused to participate (NREHAB group) and were instructed about the influence of exercise and lifestyle modification on prognosis in heart failure. REHAB patients continued the exercise program for 9 weeks at home. Spirometry, echocardiography and lipid profile determination were performed on entry and on completion of the program. Results. Testing systolic blood pressure in REHAB decreased from 117,2±14,2 mmHg on entry to 106,4±14,8 mmHg at the end of rehabilitation (p<0,05). LVEF increased significantly in the REHAB group from 32,7±8,3% do 35±8,4%. The lipid profile improved, with TC decreasing from 218,8±39,7 do 189,4 ±18,4 mmol/l, TG decreasing from 150,2 ± 76,8mmol/l to 117,4 ± 52,8mmol/l). VC ex and in increased significantly. In the NREHAB group, these parameters did not change significantly. Conclusions. Cardiac rehabilitation appears to improve left ventricular systolic function as assessed with the ejection fraction, and some parameters of pulmonary function. It faciliates the correction of some cardiovascular risk factors in patients witch chronic heart failure.
Key words:
heart failure, physical exercise, spirometry
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