Effects of early phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation on cardiac function evaluated by impedance cardiography in patients with coronary heart disease and acute heart failure

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to access the impact of phase 1 cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on cardiac function and hemodynamic changes in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and acute heart failure (AHF). Materials and methodsA total of 98 patients with CHD and AHF were recruited and randomized into two groups. Control group received standard pharmacotherapy and CR group received standard pharmacotherapy combined phase 1 CR. NT-proBNP and hemodynamic parameters measured by impedance cardiography (ICG) were estimated at baseline and at the end of treatment period. ResultsPhase 1 CR combined routine medical treatment could lower NT-proBNP levels. The percentage of high-risk patients was significantly decreased in CR group, although the post-treatment NT-proBNP level between control group and CR group showed no significant differences. Similarly, most hemodynamic parameters improved in the CR group, but not in the control group, suggesting that phase 1 CR in combination with the standard pharmacotherapy improved hemodynamic characteristics by elevating cardiac output, ameliorating preload, improving systolic and diastolic function, and relieving afterload, although the post-treatment hemodynamic parameters showed no statistically significant differences between the control group and the CR group. ConclusionPhase 1 CR combined routine medication can improve cardiac function and hemodynamic characteristics in patients with CHD and AHF. Thus, recommendation of phase 1 CR to stable patients is necessary.