Article

Although cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves outcomes in patients after
atherosclerotic myocardial infarctions, little is known of the CR benefit among
patients with spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), who are primarily
young, otherwise healthy women. The purpose of this study was to describe SCAD
patient outcomes in phase 2 outpatient CR. METHODS: Patients with SCAD who
enrolled in CR were retrospectively identified. Patients participated in standard
CR, which included supervised and independent flexibility, stretching, aerobic,
and strength training exercises. Patients received counseling regarding
nutrition, weight and stress management. Assessments at baseline and program
completion included cardiopulmonary exercise testing or 6-Minute Walk Test, body
composition using plethysmography, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9),
and stress (a scale of 1-10) scores. RESULTS: Nine patients, all women, enrolled
in CR an average of 12.3 days (range, 7-21 days) after their SCAD event, with one
enrolling again after a recurrence. Cardiac rehabilitation was well received,
with participants completing an average of 28 CR sessions (range, 5-39 sessions).
Patients did not report cardiac symptoms and there were no adverse events during
exercise testing or training. Peak oxygen uptake increased by an average of 18%
(n = 4) and 6-minute walk distance increased 22% (n = 4). Average body mass
decreased 1.1 kg, fat mass decreased 1.6 kg, and lean mass increased 0.4 kg.
Depression and stress scores improved by an average of 2.3 and 1.3 points,
respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Standard CR beginning 1 to 2 weeks after SCAD seems to
be feasible and safe and results in improved aerobic capacity, body composition,
and measures of depression and stress. Because of these benefits, we recommend
that patients with SCAD participate in CR.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI