Effects of cardiac rehabilitation on in vivo nailfold microcirculation in patients with cardiovascular disease.

This study aimed to explore the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on in vivo and ex vivo microcirculation, exercise capacity, and oxidative stress in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The study included patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS; n = 45; age, 69.0 ± 14.1 years) and heart failure (HF; n = 66; age, 77.3 ± 10.7 years) who underwent supervised CR during hospitalization. The control group comprised patients without CVD (NCVD; n = 20; age, 75.9 ± 11.2 years). In vivo microcirculatory observations using nailfold video capillary endoscopy at rest and during hyperemia, exercise capacity, and oxidative stress were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks after discharge. Baseline capillary densities were significantly lower in the ACS (5.0 ± 1.7 capillaries/mm2) and HF (4.9 ± 1.7 capillaries/mm2) groups than in the NCVD group (6.5 ± 1.1 capillaries/mm2, p < 0.01). Similarly, capillary density during reactive hyperemia was significantly lower in the ACS (5.8 ± 1.7 capillaries/mm2) and HF (5.4 ± 1.8 capillaries/mm2) groups than in the NCVD group (7.3 ± 1.4 capillaries/mm2, p < 0.01). Patients with ACS and HF had increased capillary densities at 12 weeks compared with at baseline (p < 0.05). This improvement was particularly pronounced among post-discharge outpatient CR participants (n = 20). Grip strength, exercise capacity, and oxidative stress improved at 12 weeks. Baseline capillary density changes were positively correlated with grip strength changes (r = 0.45, p < 0.001). CR significantly improved nailfold capillary density in patients with ACS and HF 12 weeks after discharge.

Giant Left Ventricular Thrombus Rapidly Developing in an Extremely Short Period of Time in a Patient With Severe Systolic Dysfunction.

Although left ventricular thrombi (LVTs) are closely related to the prognosis of patients with systolic dysfunction, anticoagulation therapy is not recommended for the primary prevention of LVTs in patients with sinus rhythm heart failure. We report a case of a patient with systolic dysfunction who developed a giant LVT in an extremely short period of time (one month) after an infection. The LVT led to acute limb ischemia, gangrene, and death. Additionally, we incidentally detected pulmonary thrombosis in this patient.

Skeletal Muscle Quality Assessment in Patients With Cardiac Disease Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study.

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with changes in skeletal muscle quantity and quality, such as increased ectopic fat. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) aims to improve the exercise capacity and muscle strength. This study aimed to determine the relationship between qualitative changes in the skeletal muscles and exercise function in patients with and without diabetes mellitus. Methods The study included patients with cardiovascular diseases who entered CR. Of 72 CR patients (68.1±9.0 years) who underwent a cardiopulmonary exercise test and skeletal muscle assessment at discharge, 15 patients with T2DM and 15 without DM were selected using propensity score matching by age and gender. Results No significant differences in the skeletal muscle echo intensity (EI) (T2DM: 58.4, Non-DM: 53.4, p=0.32), skeletal muscle index (T2DM: 7.5 kg/m2, Non-DM: 7.2 kg/m2, p=0.36), or the weight-bearing index (WBI)(T2DM: 0.44, Non-DM: 0.50, p=0.35) existed between the two groups. The phase angle (PhA) (T2DM: 3.67°, Non-DM: 4.49°, p<0.05) and peak oxygen uptake (T2DM: 12.3 mL/kg/min, Non-DM: 14.8 mL/kg/min, p<0.05) were significantly lower in the T2DM group. PhA values showed a significant correlation with the WBI, a parameter of lower limb muscle strength (r=0.50, p<0.05). Conclusion The coexistence of cardiovascular disease and T2DM resulted in a decrease in the PhA, indicating a qualitative decrease in skeletal muscle mass. The PhA is also associated with lower limb muscle strength.

Relationship Between Increased Oxygen Uptake and Lactate Production With Progressive Incremental Electrode Skeletal Muscle Stimulation: A Pilot Study.

Background Belt electrode skeletal muscle stimulation (B-SES) is an alternative exercise therapy for those with difficulty performing voluntary exercise. However, it is unknown whether oxygen uptake (VO2) in B-SES is comparable to cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) as assessed by voluntary exercise. This study aimed to evaluate oxygen uptake (VO2) and lactate (LA) production in incremental B-SES compared to ergometer CPX and to determine the relationship with ergometer CPX. Methods This study included 10 healthy young Japanese participants. Using a crossover design, all participants underwent incremental B-SES CPX and ergometer CPX using a 20 W ramp. Serum lactic acid concentration (LA) was measured serially before, during, and after B-SES. The tolerability of B-SES was adjusted with the change in LA level (⊿LA). Results Peak VO2 during B-SES (14.1±3.3 mL/kg/min) was significantly lower than ergometer peak VO2 (30.2±6.2 mL/kg/min, P<0.001). B-SES peak VO2 was similar to the anaerobic threshold (AT) VO2 on ergometer CPX (15.1±2.6 mL/kg/min). LA (Rest: 1.4±0.3, Peak: 2.8±0.8 mmol) and plasma noradrenalin (Rest: 0.2±0.1, Peak: 0.4±0.1 ng/mL) levels increased after B-SES. No significant correlation was observed between B-SES peak VO2 and ergometer CPX. However, after adjusting for B-SES, tolerability, it (peak VO2 of B-SES /⊿LA) correlated with peak VO2 (r=0.688, p=0.028) on the ergometer. Conclusion Peak VO2 of the passively progressive B-SES almost reached the AT value of the ergometer CPX without adverse events. Peak VO2 of B-SES adjusted with ⊿LA may be used to predict peak VO2 in ergometer CPX.

Effects of salt intake reduction by urinary sodium to potassium ratio self-monitoring method.

Effective and feasible educational methods are needed to control salt intake. We performed a single-center, non-randomized controlled study to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of self-monitoring using a urinary sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio-measuring device in patients with difficulty in reducing salt intake. This study included 160 patients with hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or heart disease who were followed up in the outpatient clinic of the Dokkyo Medical University Nikko Medical Center. Urinary Na/K ratio measuring Na/K ratio meter were loaned for 2-6 weeks to the treatment (T) group (n = 80) and not to the patients in the control (C) group (n = 80). In the T group, patients were instructed to measure the urinary Na/K ratio at least three times a day and maintain a Na/K ratio below 2.0. Salt reduction education and home blood pressure measurement guidance continued in both groups. The mean device loan period in the T group was 25.1 days, the mean number of measurements was 3.0 times/day, and the proportion of patients achieving three measurements per day was 48.8% (39/80). Self-monitoring using the urinary Na/K ratio meter successfully reduced salt intake by -1.9 g/day at the second visit (p < 0.001) in the T group. In contrast, no change was observed over time in the C group. Self-monitoring using the urinary Na/K ratio meter successfully reduced salt intake in patients with difficulty reducing salt intake.

Efficacy and safety of remote cardiac rehabilitation in the recovery phase of cardiovascular diseases (RecRCR study): A multicenter, nonrandomized, and interventional trial in Japan.

Backgrounds: Remote cardiac rehabilitation has proven useful in patients with cardiovascular disease; however, the methodology had not been fully validated. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of remote cardiac rehabilitation (RCR) with real-time monitoring and an ergometer using a bidirectional communication tool during the recovery phase of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This multicenter, nonrandomized, interventional study was conducted at 29 institutions across Japan and enrolled patients with cardiovascular diseases who met indications for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after receiving in-hospital treatment. The RCR group exercised at home using an ergometer and was monitored in real-time using interactive video and monitoring tools for 2-3 months. Educational instructions were provided concurrently through e-learning approaches. The safety of the RCR protocol and the improvement in peak oxygen consumption (VO2) were compared with those of the historical control group that participated in center-based CR. Results: Fifty-three patients from the RCR group were compared with 103 historical controls having similar background characteristics. No patients in RCR experienced significant cardiovascular complications while engaging in exercise sessions. After 2-3 months of RCR, the peak VO2 improved significantly, and the increases in the RCR group did not exhibit any significant differences compared to those in the historical controls. During follow-up, the proportion of patients whose exercise capacity increased by 10% or more was also evaluated; this finding did not indicate a statistically significant distinction between the groups. Conclusions: RCR during the recovery phase of cardiovascular diseases proved equally efficient and safe as center-based CR.