Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Cardiac rehabilitation based on exercise therapy is a valuable treatment for patients with a broad spectrum of cardiovascular diseases. Current guidelines support its use in patients with stable chronic heart failure and coronary artery disease, after myocardial infarction, acute coronary syndrome, coronary artery bypass grafting, coronary stent placement, and valve surgery. Its use in these conditions is supported by a robust body of research demonstrating improved clinical outcomes. The significant clinical improvement obtained through the regular training in patients with cardiovascular diseases is the result of a complex interplay of different effects: 1) improved cardiopulmonary efficiency and pulmonary functional capacity; 2) amelioration of myocardial perfusion by reducing endothelial dysfunction and by inducing new vessel formation; 3) improved myocardial contractility; 4) counteract the muscle wasting and cachexia; 5) reduction of the systemic inflammation; 6) attenuation of the sympathoexcitation, a typical feature of CHF, even in the persistence of cardiac dysfunction. Despite this evidence, cardiac rehabilitation referral and attendance remains low and interventions to increase its use need to be developed.