The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on the Functional Characteristics of Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

Arsalan  Salari; Farsima  Faragh Nia; Aseme  Pourrajabi; Amir  Aris; Fateme  Baharvand; Tolou  Hasandokht

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21187

Arsalan Salari Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Farsima Faragh Nia Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Aseme Pourrajabi Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Amir Aris Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Fateme Baharvand Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
Tolou Hasandokht Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Department of Cardiology, Heshmat Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i2.21187

Keywords: Acute coronary syndrome, Anxiety, Cardiac rehabilitation, Echocardiography

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the 6-minute walk test to evaluate the functional capacity of patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Methods: 44 patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) underwent Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) or Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) three months before the study and were subsequently referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) clinic. A six-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and echocardiography were performed for all participants. Twelve CR sessions (twice a week for six consecutive weeks) were conducted, each lasting 60-90 min. Throughout the CR program, Electrocardiogram (ECG), heart rate, blood pressure, and percent oxygen saturation were monitored. Lipid & hepatic profile & blood sugar were assessed before and after CR sessions. Patients’ psychological status was assessed. IBM SPSS Statistics software was utilized for statistical analyses, with a level of statistical significance set at p<0.05.

Results: A significant improvement was observed in both functional and echocardiographic characteristics at the peak of endurance before and after CR. The distance walked in 6-MWT and duration walked on the treadmill without cardiac symptoms and new ST-T change increased significantly. The speed of walking on the treadmill improved notably in the final CR session (p=0.001). The percentage of maximum heart rate during exercise endurance increased significantly to 79% without symptoms (p=0.010). Anxiety and stress among participants decreased significantly after completing the 12 CR sessions.

Conclusion: In conclusion, results showed that 6-MWT can be a helpful and more economical test for evaluating functional capacity.