Evaluating the Benefits of Exercise Training in HFrEF or COPD Patients: ISO-LEVEL COMPARISON CAN ADD VALUABLE INFORMATION TO V˙o2peak.

BACKGROUND: Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are relatively common conditions with similar symptoms of exercise intolerance and dyspnea. The aim of this study was to compare exercise capacity, ventilatory response, and breathing pattern in patient groups with either advanced HFrEF or COPD before and after exercise training. METHODS: An observational study was conducted with parallel groups of 25 HFrEF and 25 COPD patients who took part in 6 wk of inpatient rehabilitation with exercise training. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise tests at the start and end of the training, with resting arterial blood gas measurements. RESULTS: The average peak oxygen uptake (V˙o2) was low at the start of the study but increased significantly after training in both groups, or by 2.2 ± 2.1 mL/kg/min in HFrEF patients and 1.2 ± 2.2 mL/kg/min in COPD patients. At ISO-V˙o2 (ie, same level of V˙o2 in pre- and post-exercise tests), carbon dioxide production (V˙co2) decreased after exercise training in both groups. Similarly, at ISO-V˙E (ie, same level of ventilation), breathing frequency (f) decreased and tidal volume (VT) increased, resulting in an improved breathing pattern (lower f/VT ratio) after training. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that exercise training in severely affected patient groups with HFrEF or COPD led to an increase in maximal exercise capacity, a more favorable breathing pattern, and a diminished V˙co2 during exercise. Therefore, comparisons of V˙co2 and breathing pattern at ISO-levels of V˙o2 or V˙E before and after training are valuable and underutilized outcome measures in treatment studies.

[Effects of rehabilitation on functional capacity, obesity and health behavior, among cardiac patients with DM2]. / Áhrif endurhæfingar á threk, holdafar og heilsueflandi hegðun hjartasjúklinga með sykursýki af tegund 2.

OBJECTIVE: Present study examines the prevalence of type 2 diabetes (DM2) in patients attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR) compared to the general population utilising data from the Icelandic Heart Association population study. The study also examined the efficacy of CR for promoting health behaviors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study among DM2 patients attending CR at Reykjalundur Rehabilitation centre. The DM2 group was compared to other cardiac patients, with respect to obesity and exercise capacity at the beginning and end of 4-6 weeks of CR. Additionally, in the DM2 group, weight, smoking cessation, physical activity and walking capacity were assessed at 3 and 6 months follow-ups. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM2 was 2-4 times higher in CR participants than in the general population. Compared to other CR participants, the DM2 group was heavier, with increased waist circumference and less exercise capacity. During the CR both groups lost weight and waist circumference decreased to similar extent, but the exercise capacity increased less in the DM2 group. In follow up after 6 months the DM2 group´s weight and glucose values were back to same level as before CR, but waist circumference was still decreased and they retained increased physical activity and walking capacity. CONCLUSION: DM2 is more prevalent among patients in cardiac rehabilitation than in the general population. The DM2 group was more obese, had lower exercise capacity and responded somewhat less to CR than other cardiac patients. Follow up after 6 months did however show that they continued their regular exercise and walking capacity was still retained.

[Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of depression and anxiety in patients in cardiac rehabilitation]. / Algengi, greining og medferd punglyndis og kvída sjúklinga í hjartaendurhaefingu.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among patients in cardiac rehabilitation at Reykjalundur Rehabilitation Center and to study the impact of a 4-5 weeks inpatient cardiac rehabilitation program on these symptoms. Secondly we wished to compare the concordance of our clinical diagnosis with the results of a standardized psychometric scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, HAD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 224 patients in one year, 200 (89.3%) were included in the study, 151 men and 49 women. The patients were first evaluated by a doctor and a nurse separately at the arrival and a clinical evaluation was made jointly. Shortly after arrival and before departure a HAD questionnaire was to be answered. All new psychiatric treatment was recorded. RESULTS: Prevalence of depression as measured by HAD was reduced from 9.5% to 3.1% and anxiety from 11.6% to 2.5%. The sensitivity of clinical diagnosis of depression as compared to the results of HAD was 73.7% and specificity 87.3%. For anxiety the sensitivity was 86.4% and specificity was 79.2%. The predictive value of a positive clinical diagnosis of depressions was 37.8% and anxiety 33.9%, but predictive value of a negative clinical diagnosis was 96.9% and anxiety 97.9% respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of depression and anxiety is similar or somewhat lower than in other studies on patients with cardiac diseases. The agreement of clinical diagnosis and HAD questionnaire was acceptable and the questionnaire will not be used routinely. A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program seems to reduce substancially symptoms of depression and anxiety among patients in cardiac rehabilitation at Reykjalundur.