Cardiac rehabilitation and systolic blood pressure recovery after myocardial infarction

Background and purpose: Post-exercise systolic blood pressure recovery (SBPR) is a significant hemodynamic marker associated with the risk and severity of ischemic heart disease and subsequent cardiovascular events. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on post-exercise SBPR in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following recent myocardial infarction (MI). Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled patients with recent MI and LVEF <45%, divided into a CR group receiving structured rehabilitation and a control group receiving medical therapy alone. SBPR and heart rate recovery (HRR) were assessed before and after intervention. Patients in the control group either voluntarily declined participation or were unable to attend due to logistical, financial, or personal constraints. Those medically unfit for CR were excluded from the study according to predefined criteria. Results: In the CR group, SBPR significantly improved (pre: 0.92 ± 0.06 vs. post: 0.87 ± 0.05; P < 0.01), alongside marked improvement in HRR (pre: 10.89 ± 3.92 bpm vs. post: 18.89 ± 2.43 bpm; P < 0.01). In contrast, the control group showed a modest but significant improvement in HRR (pre: 11.03 ± 3.54 bpm vs. post: 14.74 ± 2.83 bpm; P < 0.01), with no significant change in SBPR (pre: 0.94 ± 0.05 vs. post: 0.93 ± 0.04; P = 0.72). Conclusion: Participation in CR was associated with favorable changes in SBPR and HRR, suggesting potential benefits on hemodynamic recovery after myocardial infarction.