A 3-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program significantly reduced QT dispersion (e.g., 71.4 to 67.2 ms in patients <60 years; p<0.005) and blood pressure in patients after myocardial infarction.
Observational (n=587)
Does a 3-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program improve arterial blood pressure and QT dispersion in patients after myocardial infarction, and does age affect the benefit?
A 3-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program significantly improves blood pressure, QT dispersion, and metabolic parameters in post-MI patients, with greater benefits observed in those under 60 years of age.
Objective: The aim of this study was to establish the influence of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) on arterial blood pressure (BP) and QT dispersion in patients after myocardial infarction (MI) and the impact of age on the benefit. Design and method: The study involved 587 patients after MI (average age 56.5 years). In relation to age, patients were divided into two groups: A (n=325, 60 years). In all patients exercise test were performed and after that patients were included in the CR program for three weeks. Patients were instructed to follow a CR program using the bicycle ergometer, gymnastic exercises and walking. After CR, patients performed second exercise test. Results: Before starting with CR, patients in group A had significantly lower values of QTdc (71.4 ± 22.4 vs 82.1 ± 24.5 ms; p<0.001), systolic BP (139.5 ± 14.3 vs 144.6 ± 18.5 mmHg; p<0.005), and diastolic BP (92.0 ± 11.5 vs 94.3 ± 10.6 mmHg; p<0.02), compared to group B. After CR program, significant reduction of QTdc was found (from 71.4 ± 22.4 to 67.2 ± 18.3 ms; p<0.005) in group A, and from 82.1 ± 24.5 to 78.2 ± 22.8 ms; p<0.05 in group B. After CR, significant reduction of systolic BP was found in group A from 139.5 ± 14.3 to 128.4 ± 11.6 mmHg; p<0.001 and from 144.6 ± 18.5 to 135.6 ± 16.9 mmHg; p<0.001 in group B. After CR, we have found significant reduction of diastolic BP from 92.0 ± 11.5 to 86.7 ± 10.2 mmHg; p<0.001 in group A and from 94.3 ± 10.6 to 92.1 ± 10.1 mmHg; p<0.02) in group B. After CR, we have found significant reduction of total cholesterol (p<0.01), of LDL cholesterol (p<0.025) and of glycemia (p<0.01) in group A and significant reduction of total cholesterol (p<0.025), of LDL cholesterol (p<0.05) and of glycemia (p<0.025) in group B. Conclusions: The study showed that CR has favorable effects on QTd and BP in patients after MI. In patients younger than 60 years CR has more favorable effects on the followed parameters.
Stoickov et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in myocardial infarction (n=587). Cardiovascular rehabilitation vs. Pre-rehabilitation baseline was evaluated on QT dispersion (QTdc) and arterial blood pressure. A 3-week cardiovascular rehabilitation program significantly reduced QT dispersion (e.g., 71.4 to 67.2 ms in patients <60 years; p<0.005) and blood pressure in patients after myocardial infarction.