July 16, 2026European Heart Journal172 citations
View Full PaperLong-term reduction of cardiac mortality after myocardial infarction: 10-year results of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme
Key Result
A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program significantly reduced 10-year total mortality (42.2% vs 57.6%, P<0.01) and cardiac mortality (36.7% vs 48.1%, P<0.001) compared to standard care.
Key Points
- This research aims to assess the long-term effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on mortality and recurrence rates after myocardial infarction.
- Intervention group (n = 147) participated in a cardiac rehabilitation program; reference group (n = 158) received standard care.
- Program included physical training, dietary information, smoking cessation support, and psychological assistance.
- Mortality and recurrence rates were measured at 5 and 10 years.
- At 10 years, cardiac mortality was reduced to 36.7% in the intervention group versus 48.1% in the reference group (P < 0.001).
- Non-fatal reinfarction occurred in 28.6% of the intervention group compared to 39.9% in the reference group (P < 0.001).
- Employment after myocardial infarction was higher in the intervention group (58.6% vs 22.0%, P < 0.05).
Study Design
Type
Cohort (n=305)
Structured PICO
Does a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme reduce mortality and cardiac events in post-myocardial infarction patients?
P
Population
305 non-selected patients post-myocardial infarction followed for 10 years to assess the impact of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program.
E
Exposure
Comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme including a post-MI clinic, physical training, information on smoking and diet, and psychological support
C
Comparator
Standard care
O
Outcome
Total and cardiac mortality at 10 yearshard clinical
A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program significantly reduces long-term total and cardiac mortality at 10 years in post-MI patients.
Main Result
Absolute Event Rate: 42.2% vs 57.6%
p-value: p=<0.01
Abstract
The long-term outcome of different methods of post-MI care has been studied in two non-selected groups of MI patients: an intervention group (n = 147), participating in a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programme, was compared to a reference group receiving standard care (n = 158). The CR programme included a post-MI clinic, physical training, information on smoking and diet, and psychological support. After 5 years there was no difference in mortality (29.3 vs 31.6%), but the recurrence rate of non-fatal MI (17.3 vs 33.3%, P < 0.05) and of total cardiac events (39.5 vs 53.2%, P < 0.05) was lower in the intervention group, and more patients were still at work (51.8 vs 27.4% P < 0.01). After 10 years there was a reduction in total (42.2 vs 57.6% P < 0.01) and cardiac mortality (36.7 vs 48.1% P < 0.001). Fewer patients in the intervention group suffered from non-fatal reinfarction (28.6 vs 39.9%, P < 0.001). Among those patients who had not yet reached the age of retirement more patients had resumed employment (58.6 vs 22.0% P < 0.05). We conclude, that the secondary preventive effect of the programme has contributed to the higher rate of survival.