Benefits of cardiac rehabilitation on lipid profile in patients with coronary artery disease.

Abstract

This cross-sectional study was performed in patients following coronary interventions, to evaluate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation on functional capacity, maximum heart rate on exercise and serum lipid profiles. Consecutive patients after coronary artery intervention randomly referred to cardiac rehabilitation. All patients underwent based exercise tolerance test to define exercise capacity. Blood samples were obtained to measure based plasma lipid profiles and nutritional counseling provided to all participants. Also, psychological evaluation was performed with the some documented questionnaire to explore emotional, behavioral and psychological state. After completion of cardiac rehabilitation in all patients, reassessment of work capacity, plasma lipid profile and psychological state were performed. After cardiac rehabilitation for 8-12 weeks, functional capacity improved in 83% of patients (p<0.001) and maximal heart rate at the same time on exercise decreased in 72%. The average time on treadmill was 7.76 min before and 9.56 min after cardiac recreation (p<0.001). After cardiac rehabilitation, plasma total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein and triglyceride significantly decreased. At the end, 97% of patients returned to work and had sense of well-being. Cardiac rehabilitation has important impacts on improving functional capacity, well being sensation, return to work and decreasing serum lipid profiles in coronary patients.