Cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor modifications in the coronary artery disease : experience from a Middle-East cardiac rehabilitation center

Abstract EN

Background and objectives: To describe patient characteristics and risk factors profile of patients in a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Methods: This single-center, prospective, observational study included all the patients who completed the cardiac rehabilitation program with exercise sessions, including dietary plan, counseling, stress management, and relaxation sessions.

Effects of pre- and postexercise program on patients’ baseline characteristics, blood pressure, blood chemistry and lipid profile status were recorded and compared.

Results: A total of 264 patients enrolled and completed the cardiac rehabilitation exercise program.

The mean age of the patients was 52 years and 70.8% of the patients were men.

Among 264 patients, 22.3% had diabetes mellitus, followed by hypertension (37.1%), and dyslipidemia (29.5%).

Exercise training showed significant improvement in the functional outcomes, including 6-min walk distance (500 vs.

521.5 m; P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (130.7 vs.

123.2 mmHg; P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (75.9 vs.

72.5 mmHg, P < 0.001), HbA1c (5.2 vs.

3.4%, P = 0.001), and total cholesterol (4.3 vs.

4.1 mmol/L, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation is an essential and an integral part in the care of cardiac patients.

Overall, there was a reduction in blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels with improved exercise tolerance.

The benefits and the desired outcomes are achievable to improve the overall care provided.