[The effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on 2 populations of coronary patients: acute myocardial infarct and coronary bypass surgery]. / Efeitos de um programa de reabilitação cardíaca em duas populações de doentes coronários: enfarte agudo do miocárdio e cirurgia de bypass coronário.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED Cardiac rehabilitation programmes (CRP) have proven beneficial in coronary heart disease. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of our CRP on two coronary heart disease populations after acute myocardial infarction (AMI-CRP) and after coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG-CRP). Results were compared to control groups (AMI-C and CABG-C). POPULATION Group AMI-CRP n = 43 patients, mean age = 48.7 +/- 9.8 years; Group AMI-C n = 20 patients, mean age = 59.2 +/- 11.5 years; Group CABG-CRP n = 54 patients, mean age = 54.9 +/- 9.7 years; Group CABG-C n = 20 patients, mean age = 56.5 +/- 9.9 years. All patients are male and there were no significant differences in ventricular function and coronary disease severity. Parameters were evaluated in the AMI groups at discharge, 3 and 12 months after acute episode; in the CABG groups 3 and 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Both CRP groups improved their exercise capacity (significantly improved the peak values of METs and double product). A favorable lipid profile change (total cholesterol and HDL) was induced in the CABG-CRP group and more significant in the AMI-CRP group. No significant differences were observed in obesity indexes (body weight and BMI > or = 27.8 Kg/m2). A increase in nonsmokers was important in all groups. Professional reintegration was 91.7% in the AMI-CRP group and 84.4% in the CABG-CRP group. The CRP groups showed a better knowledge of the disease, and a beneficial change in relation to themselves and the world that resulted in a decrease in depression and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Participation in our cardiac rehabilitation program, either after AMI or after CABG, improves cardio-respiratory fitness, favorably influences blood lipid profiles, and improves self-reliance and quality of life.