June 1, 2025Clinical Cardiology9 citationsOpen Access

Effectiveness of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Enhancing Adherence and Improving Clinical Outcomes Post‐Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial

HTHaşim TünerMemorial Sisli Hospital FPFuat PolatInterventional / Structural Cardiology EAEnes AlıçIstanbul Aydın University

Structured PICO

Does a structured cardiac rehabilitation program improve adherence and clinical outcomes in patients post-acute coronary syndrome?

Population

340 patients post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS)

Intervention

Cardiac rehabilitation program (supervised exercise, dietary counseling, and education)

Comparator

Standard recommendations

Outcome

Adherence rates and complications over 1 year

Structured cardiac rehabilitation post-ACS significantly improves lifestyle adherence and reduces hospital readmissions and complications at 1 year.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains a major contributor to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Cardiac rehabilitation programs have shown promise in improving adherence to lifestyle and medical recommendations, yet their impact on clinical outcomes and complications requires further investigation. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, single-center study evaluated the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on adherence and clinical outcomes in ACS patients. A total of 340 patients were randomized into a Cardiac Rehabilitation Group or Control Group. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Group underwent supervised exercise, dietary counseling, and education, while the Control Group received standard recommendations. Outcomes, including adherence rates and complications, were assessed over 1 year, with additional interim analyses to evaluate early sustainability of behavioral changes. RESULTS: Patients in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group demonstrated significant improvements in adherence to dietary recommendations (73.5% vs. 52.4%, p < 0.01) and physical activity (85.3% vs. 68.2%, p < 0.01). Cardiac Rehabilitation Group patients also experienced fewer instances of weight gain (22.9% vs. 34.7%, p = 0.017) and access site complications (21.2% vs. 40%, p < 0.01). Hospital readmissions were reduced in the Cardiac Rehabilitation Group compared to the Control Group (18.8% vs. 31.2%, p = 0.015). Non-adherence to dietary recommendations (HR: 2.42, 95% CI: 1.08-5.41, p = 0.032) and medical treatments (HR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.32-6.11, p = 0.007) were significantly associated with increased risk of revascularization. CONCLUSION: Cardiac rehabilitation significantly enhances adherence to medical and lifestyle recommendations, reduces complications, and improves outcomes in ACS patients. These findings emphasize the critical role of structured rehabilitation in post-ACS management.

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