Effects of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Versus Usual Care on Cardiopulmonary Function in Patients With Cardiac Syndrome X

Abstract

Purpose: Because of uncertainty in the pathophysiological process, the treatment of cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is still under study. Addressing the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) can help promote the prescription of this modality as an adjuvant therapy for these patients. Methods: This study was performed on 30 patients with effort-induced angina pectoris using a positive exercise test and/or myocardial perfusion scan in the absence of obvious stenosis or a stenosis of <50% on coronary angiography. The patients were divided into the CR and usual care (UC) groups and underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing with gas exchange analysis before and after the study. The Duke Treadmill Score was used to compare prognosis and survival estimates of patients. Results: An increase in peak oxygen uptake ( JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-202001000-00008/8FSM1/v/2023-09-11T232142Z/r/image-gif o 2) was significantly higher in the CR group than in the control group (P = .017). Resting JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-202001000-00008/8FSM1/v/2023-09-11T232142Z/r/image-gif o 2 was also increased in the CR group, but its difference with the UC group was not statistically significant. Resting O2 pulse was increased in the CR group, which significantly differed between groups (P = .041). Exercise test duration and the Duke Treadmill Score significantly increased in the CR group as compared with the UC group (P = .003 and P = .002, respectively). Also, recovery heart rate in the first minute was significantly improved in CR group. Conclusion: Adding a 4-wk course of CR to UC for patients with CSX not only increased the Duke Treadmill Score and exercise test duration but also improved the resting O2 pulse, peak JOURNAL/jcprh/04.03/01273116-202001000-00008/8FSM1/v/2023-09-11T232142Z/r/image-gif o 2, and first-minute recovery heart rate.

Barriers and Facilitators to Delivering Inpatient Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Scoping Review

“…Our review begins to elucidate that patient characteristics have an important influence on ICR participation and uptake—particularly sex and gender. Out of 228 articles included in this scoping review, only 13 had more female participants than males, 43 , 50 , 61 , 81 , 94 , 110 , 114 , 131 , 155 , 195–197 , 218 with some studies consisting solely of males (n=25). While this sex disparity might be due to the higher incidence of CVD among males, 219 it remains concerning that the female population is under-represented in these studies given that females have a higher mortality and hospitalization rates and experience poorer prognosis after a cardiac event, including future pregnancy complications.…”

Cardiac Syndrome X: The Sensitive Heart of a Young Adult Man

“…Aspirin and statin can be given to patients with evidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease not responsible for angina or those at high risk [ 11 ]. Exercise capacity can be improved by a physical training program [ 12 ]. Behavioral therapies have proven to be effective in the reduction of chest pain, over three to six months intervals [ 13 ].…”

A pilot study examining the safety and effectiveness of 8-weeks of early cardiac rehabilitation on physical function and psychological well-being in patients following aortic root replacement

“…At the beginning and end of each training session, blood pressure was measured and heart rate was monitored with heart rate and blood pressure monitors. The INR levels were monitored regularly throughout the intervention, if the INR was ≥ 4.5 the training session would be postponed until it dropped within a normal range [14]. In addition, patients received weekly counselling sessions which were themed around dealing with anxiety and depression, managing risk factors, smoking cessation, and making positive lifestyle changes.…”