Does Psychological State Influence the Physiological Response to Cardiac Rehabilitation in Older Adults?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a major global cause of death. Effective secondary prevention is crucial, involving risk factor modification and cardiac rehabilitation. However, mental factors, particularly depression, exert a significant influence on CVD outcomes by increasing cardiovascular risk and impeding treatment adherence. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the impact of psychological state on the effectiveness of rehabilitation in cardiac patients. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three patients referred for cardiac rehabilitation participated in a 3-week program, retrospectively categorized into two groups: those with and without depressive symptoms. The functional status of the patients was assessed using the R.A.M.P. protocol exercise test, conducted on a treadmill, during which resting and exercise heart rate (HR), systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure, and metabolic equivalent of task (MET) measurements were taken. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) were utilized to evaluate the patients’ psychological state. Stepwise regression explored the psychological factors explaining physiological parameter variance. Results: Participants without depressive symptoms exhibited significantly greater improvements in exercise HR (15.58 vs. 1.07; p = 0.02), exercise SBP (7.93 vs. −2.05; p = 0.05), and exercise METs (1.52 vs. 0.50; p = 0.006) compared to those with depressive symptoms. The following predictors were found to be significant: for exercise HR—HADS-D (r2 = 12%; p = 0.04); for exercise DBP—PSS-10 (r2 = 27%; p = 0.002); and for METs—HADS-D and age (r2 = 26%; p = 0.01). Conclusions: In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation improved psychological and physiological parameters in both groups, with greater effectiveness seen in those without depression. Depressive symptoms predicted exercise HR, SBP, and METs, highlighting their role in worsening cardiac disease. Emphasizing psychological factors, including depression and stress, in cardiac rehabilitation can enhance effectiveness and patient outcomes.