The Role of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Promoting Lifestyle Modification Among Cardiovascular Patients: A Nationwide Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, primarily by promoting lifestyle modifications. However, its impact on lifestyle changes in the Korean population has not been well studied. This study analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Database to evaluate the effect of CR on lifestyle improvement in patients with cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

Patients who underwent coronary revascularization in 2017 were included. This study investigated whether the lifestyle habits of patients with cardiovascular disease who were physically inactive, obese, and smoked improved after coronary revascularization. To analyze whether CR affected each lifestyle factor, multiple regression analysis was performed, adjusting for socioeconomic and medical conditions as covariates.

RESULTS

CR had a significant effect on the acquisition of regular physical activity among physically inactive patients before revascularization (odds ratio [OR]: 1.205, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.046-1.389). However, CR did not have a significant impact on smoking cessation in smokers (OR: 1.172, 95% CI: 0.890-1.545) and weight reduction in patients with obesity (OR: 1.104, 95% CI: 0.977-1.248).

CONCLUSION

This nationwide study showed that CR after coronary revascularization significantly improved physical activity in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, CR had no significant effect on smoking cessation or weight reduction, indicating a need for more comprehensive approaches to address these lifestyle factors.