Are Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to describe subjective and objective physical activity (PA) levels of two groups of cardiovascular patients who were either post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or diagnosed with heart failure (HF).

DESIGN

A descriptive comparative design was used for this secondary analysis of data from two prior studies.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 62 outpatients was used to examine PA objectively (Actiheart accelerometer) and subjectively (PA interview).

FINDINGS

Objectively, 33% of CABG patients and no HF patients met PA recommendations of ≥ 150 min/week. Subjectively, 56% of CABG and 38% of HF patients reported meeting PA recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Few patients in the current study met PA recommendations.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Innovative rehabilitation nursing practice strategies are needed (e.g., use of activity trackers, making PA a vital sign) to assist patients in gaining the knowledge and skills to be more active and adhere to PA recommendations.