[Exercise in outpatient complex rehabilitation and secondary prophylaxis in patients with ischemic heart disease after acute coronary events (a cooperative trial in Russia)].

AIM

To assess efficacy of early and long-term exercise in patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD) after acute coronary events (acute myocardial infarction--AMI, unstable angina--UA, coronary artery bypass grafting--CABG) in wide outpatient medical practice of Russia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three to eight weeks after the acute coronary event (ACE) 373 patients from different clinics of RF regions were randomized into two groups: the study group (n = 188) and a control one (n = 185). Both groups received standard therapy, the study group performed also a special exercise program (moderate exercise for maximum 1 hour 3 times a week for a year). The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by clinical, device and biochemical findings during 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Physical work capacity, total amount of performed work (PW) in stress test rose in the study group by 26.5% (p < 0.01) and 59.4% (p < 0.01), respectively; HRmax and BPSmax x HRmax increased by 6.4 and 9.8%, respectively, p < 0.01); PW/Hrpeak rose by 48.6% (p < 0.01), PW/DP peak--by 45.9% (p < 0.01). Left ventricular ejection fraction increased by 5.6% (p < 0.05), LV stroke volume--by 3.4% (p < 0.05). In 6 months, controls demonstrated a 4.7% (p < 0.05) rise in HDLP cholesterol, total cholesterol lowered in the study group by 6.4% (p < 0.01), body mass index--by 1.9%, number of anginal attacks--by 0.9%.

CONCLUSION

The proposed exercise program is effective and can be applied in outpatients after acute coronary events. The program can be also used as a method of secondary prophylaxis as it lowers total cholesterol, atherogenic index and body mass index.