Article

Cardiac rehabilitation programs are well recognized as being
essential to the comprehensive care of patients with cardiovascular disease and
chronic heart failure. These programs aim at reducing cardiovascular risks,
promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours and compliance as well as limiting
disability and increasing quality of life (QoL) of cardiac patients. PURPOSE: To
evaluate the impact of a 4-week cardiac rehabilitation program on physical
parameters and several aspects of the QoL of cardiac patients. METHODS: A cohort
of 101 cardiac patients (men: 70%) mean age 65+/-12years (mean+/-SD) participated
in a cardiac rehabilitation program. Before and after the 4-week cardiac
rehabilitation program, the study recorded and assessed the patients' physical
parameters such as weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and effort
tolerance as well as QoL using different questionnaires: SF-36 Health Survey
(SF-36), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Pittsburgh Sleep
Quality Index (PSQI). RESULTS: The patients' physical parameters (BMI and waist
circumference) decreased by 3%, while effort tolerance increased by 25%
(P<0.0001). Furthermore, for all patients, the PSQI, HAD and physical and mental
SF-36 scores improved significantly (P<0.0001). The different SF-36 subscales'
scores did also increase after the program (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Despite a
modest weight loss and reduction in waist circumference, a 4-week cardiac
rehabilitation program (short-term) seems to be sufficient for improving
patients' physical state and mental well-being.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS