Favourable effects of exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction on left atrial remodeling

Exercise Effects on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors

Left ventricular (LV) remodeling is a dynamic process, which is characterized by changes in ventricular size, shape, and wall thickness, thus altering myocardial geometry and function, and is considered as a negative prognostic factor in patients with heart failure (HF). Hypertension, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and obesity are strongly correlated with the development and the progression of LV remodeling, LV hypertrophy, and LV systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction. Indeed, the beneficial impact of exercise training on primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been well-established. Recent studies have highlighted that exercise training enhances functional capacity, muscle strength and endurance, cardiac function, and cardiac-related biomarkers among patients with established coronary artery disease (CAD) or HF, thus substantially improving their cardiovascular prognosis, survival rates, and need for rehospitalization. Therefore, in this review article, we discuss the evidence of LV remodeling in patients with cardiometabolic risk factors, such as hypertension, T2D, and obesity, and also highlight the current studies evaluating the effect of exercise training on LV remodeling in these patients.

Potential Role of Global Longitudinal Strain in Cardiac and Oncological Patients Undergoing Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation (CORE)

Although shown to be effective in improving survival and quality of life in patients with cancer, some treatments are well-known causes of cardiotoxicity, such as anthracyclines, monoclonal antibodies against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and radiotherapy. To prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients living with cancer, cardiologists and oncologists promoted the development of cardio-oncology, an interdisciplinary field which aims to further improving life expectancy in these patients. Cardio-oncology rehabilitation (CORE), through correction of risk factors, prescription of drug therapies and structured exercise programs, tries to improve symptoms, quality of life, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and survival in patients with cancer. Different imaging modalities can be used to evaluate the real effectiveness of exercise training on cardiac function. Among these, the global longitudinal strain (GLS) has recently aroused interest, thanks to its high sensitivity and specificity for cardiac dysfunction detection due to advanced ultrasound programs. This review summarizes the evidence on the usefulness of GLS in patients with cancer undergoing cardiac rehabilitation programs.

Short- and Long-Term Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Early After ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction—The HIIT-EARLY Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim

Due to insufficient evidence on the safety and effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in patients early after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), we aimed to compare short- and long-term effects of randomized HIIT or moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on markers of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in STEMI patients receiving optimal guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT).

Materials and Methods

Patients after STEMI (<4 weeks) enrolled in a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program were recruited for this randomized controlled trial (NCT02627586). During a 3-week run-in period with three weekly MICT sessions, GDMT was up-titrated. Then, the patients were randomized to HIIT or isocaloric MICT for 9 weeks. Echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed after run-in (3 weeks), end of CR (12 weeks), and at 1-year follow-up. The primary outcome was LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVi) at the end of CR. Secondary outcomes were LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and cardiopulmonary fitness.

Results

Seventy-three male patients were included, with the time between STEMI and start of CR and randomization being 12.5 ± 6.3 and 45.8 ± 10.8 days, respectively. Mixed models revealed no significant group × time interaction for LVEDVi at the end of CR (p = 0.557). However, there was a significantly smaller improvement in GLS at 1-year follow-up in the HIIT compared to the MICT group (p = 0.031 for group × time interaction). Cardiorespiratory fitness improved significantly from a median value of 26.5 (1st quartile 24.4; 3rd quartile 1.1) ml/kg/min at randomization in the HIIT and 27.7 (23.9; 31.6) ml/kg/min in the MICT group to 29.6 (25.3; 32.2) and 29.9 (26.1; 34.9) ml/kg/min at the end of CR and to 29.0 (26.6; 33.3) and 30.6 (26.0; 33.8) ml/kg/min at 1 year follow-up in HIIT and MICT patients, respectively, with no significant group × time interactions (p = 0.138 and 0.317).

Conclusion

In optimally treated patients early after STEMI, HIIT was not different from isocaloric MICT with regard to short-term effects on LVEDVi and cardiorespiratory fitness. The worsening in GLS at 1 year in the HIIT group deserves further investigation, as early HIIT may offset the beneficial effects of GDMT on LV remodeling in the long term.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death globally. However, with falling CHD mortality rates, an increasing number of people living with CHD may need support to manage their symptoms and prognosis. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) aims to improve the health and outcomes of people with CHD. This is an update of a Cochrane Review previously published in 2016.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise-based CR (exercise training alone or in combination with psychosocial or educational interventions) compared with 'no exercise' control, on mortality, morbidity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in people with CHD.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated searches from the previous Cochrane Review, by searching CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two other databases in September 2020. We also searched two clinical trials registers in June 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise-based interventions with at least six months' follow-up, compared with 'no exercise' control. The study population comprised adult men and women who have had a myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or have angina pectoris, or coronary artery disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We screened all identified references, extracted data and assessed risk of bias according to Cochrane methods. We stratified meta-analysis by duration of follow-up: short-term (6 to 12 months); medium-term (> 12 to 36 months); and long-term ( > 3 years), and used meta-regression to explore potential treatment effect modifiers. We used GRADE for primary outcomes at 6 to 12 months (the most common follow-up time point).  MAIN RESULTS: This review included 85 trials which randomised 23,430 people with CHD. This latest update identified 22 new trials (7795 participants). The population included predominantly post-MI and post-revascularisation patients, with a mean age ranging from 47 to 77 years. In the last decade, the median percentage of women with CHD has increased from 11% to 17%, but females still account for a similarly small percentage of participants recruited overall ( < 15%). Twenty-one of the included trials were performed in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Overall trial reporting was poor, although there was evidence of an improvement in quality over the last decade. The median longest follow-up time was 12 months (range 6 months to 19 years). At short-term follow-up (6 to 12 months), exercise-based CR likely results in a slight reduction in all-cause mortality (risk ratio (RR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.73 to 1.04; 25 trials; moderate certainty evidence), a large reduction in MI (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.93; 22 trials; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 75, 95% CI 47 to 298; high certainty evidence), and a large reduction in all-cause hospitalisation (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.77; 14 trials;  NNTB 12, 95% CI 9 to 21; moderate certainty evidence). Exercise-based CR likely results in little to no difference in risk of cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.14; 15 trials; moderate certainty evidence), CABG (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.27; 20 trials; high certainty evidence), and PCI (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.19; 13 trials; moderate certainty evidence) up to 12 months' follow-up. We are uncertain about the effects of exercise-based CR on cardiovascular hospitalisation, with a wide confidence interval including considerable benefit as well as harm (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.59; low certainty evidence). There was evidence of substantial heterogeneity across trials for cardiovascular hospitalisations (I2 = 53%), and of small study bias for all-cause hospitalisation, but not for all other outcomes. At medium-term follow-up, although there may be little to no difference in all-cause mortality (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.02; 15 trials), MI (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.27; 12 trials), PCI (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.35; 6 trials), CABG (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.23; 9 trials), and all-cause hospitalisation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.03; 9 trials), a large reduction in cardiovascular mortality was found (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.93; 5 trials). Evidence is uncertain for difference in risk of cardiovascular hospitalisation (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.12; 3 trials). At long-term follow-up, although there may be little to no difference in all-cause mortality (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.10), exercise-based CR may result in a large reduction in cardiovascular mortality (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.78; 8 trials) and MI (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50 to 0.90; 10 trials). Evidence is uncertain for CABG (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.27; 4 trials), and PCI (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.20; 3 trials). Meta-regression showed benefits in outcomes were independent of CHD case mix, type of CR, exercise dose, follow-up length, publication year, CR setting, study location, sample size or risk of bias. There was evidence that exercise-based CR may slightly increase HRQoL across several subscales (SF-36 mental component, physical functioning, physical performance, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health scores) up to 12 months' follow-up; however, these may not be clinically important differences. The eight trial-based economic evaluation studies showed exercise-based CR to be a potentially cost-effective use of resources in terms of gain in quality-adjusted life years (QALYs).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane Review supports the conclusions of the previous version, that exercise-based CR provides important benefits to people with CHD, including reduced risk of MI, a likely small reduction in all-cause mortality, and a large reduction in all-cause hospitalisation, along with associated healthcare costs, and improved HRQoL up to 12 months' follow-up. Over longer-term follow-up, benefits may include reductions in cardiovascular mortality and MI. In the last decade, trials were more likely to include females, and be undertaken in LMICs, increasing the generalisability of findings. Well-designed, adequately-reported RCTs of CR in people with CHD more representative of usual clinical practice are still needed. Trials should explicitly report clinical outcomes, including mortality and hospital admissions, and include validated HRQoL outcome measures, especially over longer-term follow-up, and assess costs and cost-effectiveness.

Exercise Training: The Holistic Approach in Cardiovascular Prevention

Nowadays, there are robust clinical and pathophysiological evidence supporting the beneficial effects of physical activity on cardiovascular (CV) system. Thus, the physical activity is considered a key strategy for CV prevention. In fact, exercise training exerts favourable effects on all risk factors for CV diseases (i.e. essential hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, metabolic syndrome, etc…). In addition, all training modalities such as the aerobic (continuous walking, jogging, cycling, etc.) or resistance exercise (weights), as well as the leisure-time physical activity (recreational walking, gardening, etc) prevent the development of the major CV risk factors, or delay the progression of target organ damage improving cardio-metabolic risk. Exercise training is also the core component of all cardiac rehabilitation programs that have demonstrated to improve the quality of life and to reduce morbidity in patients with CV diseases, mostly in patients with coronary artery diseases. Finally, it is still debated whether or not exercise training can influence the occurrence of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. In this regard, there is some evidence that exercise training is protective predominantly for atrial arrhythmias, reducing the incidence of atrial fibrillation. In conclusion, the salutary effects evoked by physical acitvity are useful in primary and secondary CV prevention.

Effect of early cardiac rehabilitation on prognosis in patients with heart failure following acute myocardial infarction

Objective

The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of early cardiac rehabilitation on patients with heart failure following acute myocardial infarction.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty-two patients who developed heart failure following acute myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into heart failure with reduced ejection fraction group (n = 54) and heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction group (n = 178). Seventy-eight patients who accepted a two-week cardiac rehabilitation were further divided into two subgroups based on major adverse cardiovascular events. Key cardio-pulmonary exercise testing indicators that may affect the prognosis were identified among the cardiac rehabilitation patients.

Results

Early cardiac rehabilitation significantly reduced cardiac death and re-hospitalization in patients. There was more incidence of diabetes, hyperkalemia and low P_ETCO₂ in the cardiac rehabilitation group who developed re-hospitalization. Low P_ETCO₂ at anaerobic threshold (≤ 33.5 mmHg) was an independent risk factor for re-hospitalization.

Conclusions

Early cardiac rehabilitation reduced major cardiac events in patients with heart failure following acute myocardial infarction. The lower P_ETCO₂ at anaerobic threshold is an independent risk factor for re-hospitalization, and could be used as a evaluating hallmark for early cardiac rehabilitation.

Early rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction: A nationwide inpatient database study

BACKGROUND

The effects and safety of early rehabilitation in intensive care units (ICU) remain unclear for patients after acute myocardial infarction (AMI).

METHODS

Using Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination inpatient data between July 2010 and March 2018, we identified 31,603 adult patients with AMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention on the day of admission and who were admitted to the ICU for more than three consecutive days. Patients who started a rehabilitation program within three days of ICU admission were included in the early rehabilitation group, while others were included in the usual care group. The primary outcome was activities of daily living (ADL) at discharge, as measured using the Barthel Index score. We conducted inverse probability of treatment weighting analyses.

RESULTS

The data of 31,603 patients were examined, 5,147 of whom were assigned to the early rehabilitation group. In the weighted cohort, the Barthel Index score at discharge was not significantly different between the two groups. The early rehabilitation group had a significantly shorter hospital stay, shorter ICU stay, and lower total hospitalization costs.

CONCLUSIONS

No correlations were observed between early rehabilitation and ADL at discharge. However, the present results suggest that early rehabilitation is safe and associated with lower hospital costs and shorter hospital stays after AMI.

Concurrent vitamin D supplementation and exercise training improve cardiac fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad signaling in myocardial infarction model of rats

Although the role of vitamin D in various types of disorders such as cancer and diabetes has been well recognized, its relation to cardiovascular diseases still remains equivocal. The present study aims to investigate the interactive effects of aerobic-resistance training (ART) and vitamin D₃ (VD₃) on both cardiac fibrosis and heart functions considering TGF-β1/Smad2, 3 (transforming growth factor-β1/mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3) signaling in the myocardial infarction (MI) model of rats. Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups of sham (n = 8), and MI (n = 48). Then, MI rats were divided into six groups of VD₃, ART, VD₃+ART, Veh, Veh+ART, and sedentary MI. The animals received the related treatments for 8 weeks, and then their functional exercise capacity (FEC) and strength gain (SG) were estimated through exercise tests. Ejection fraction (EF%) and fractional shortening (FS%) and serum level of VD₃ were measured by echocardiography and ELISA, respectively. Cardiac expressions of TGF-β1, Smad2/3, and collagen I/III were assessed by western blotting and fibrosis by Masson's trichrome staining. The highest EF, parallel with the lowest expression of cardiac TGF-β1, Smad2/3, collagen I, and collagen III were observed in MI + VD₃ (P = 0.021), MI + ART (P = 0.001), and MI + VD₃ + ART (P < 0.001). Furthermore, similar to FS, the highest FEC and SG were related to the groups of MI + VD₃ + ART and MI + ART compared to the MI group. In conclusion, our data indicate that concurrent vitamin D supplementation and ART, compared with monotherapy, successfully improve cardiac function and alleviate myocardial fibrosis via downregulating TGF-β1, Smad2/3 signaling, and also regulating collagen I and III expressions.

Effect of high-intensity interval training on cardiac structure and function in rats with acute myocardial infarct

BACKGROUND

Exercise training is beneficial for cardiac rehabilitation. Nevertheless, few study focused on the role of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) in cardiac repair. The current study aimed to elucidate the effect of HIIT on cardiac rehabilitation and the involved mechanisms after acute myocardial infarction (MI).

METHODS

A total of 65 male rats underwent coronary ligation or sham operation and were randomly assigned to 4 groups: sham (n = 10), sedentary (MI-Sed, n = 12), moderate-intensity continuous training (MI-MCT, n = 12) and HIIT (MI-HIIT, n = 12). One week after MI induction, adaptive training starts follow by formal training. After the experiment, cardiac functions were determined by echocardiography and hemodynamic measurements. Changes in infarct size, collagen accumulation, myofibroblasts, angiogenesis, inflammation level, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) activities were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

After MI, cardiac structure and function were significantly deteriorated. However, post-MI HIIT for 8 weeks had significantly ameliorated left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), LV systolic pressure (LVSP), and maximum peak velocities of relaxation (-dP/dtmax). Moreover, it preserved cardiac functions, reduced infarct size, protected the myocardium structure, increased angiogenesis and decreased the myofibroblasts and collagen accumulation. HIIT for 4 weeks had no effect on LVEDP, -dP/dtmax, infarct size and angiogenesis. Additionally, it induced inflammation response and repressed ET-1 and RAAS activities were found in myocardium and peripheral circulation after HIIT.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that post-MI HIIT had a positive role in cardiac repair, which might be linked with the induction of inflammation and inhibition of ET-1 and RAAS activities.

Beneficial Effects of Baduanjin Exercise on Left Ventricular Remodelling in Patients after Acute Myocardial Infarction: an Exploratory Clinical Trial and Proteomic Analysis

BACKGROUND

The beneficial effects of physical exercise on cardiac remodelling improvement after myocardial infarction have already been suggested. However, the results of previous clinical trials have not been consistent. Moreover, the putative molecular mechanisms leading to the clinically observed effects of physical exercise still remain elusive.

AIM

We aimed to evaluate whether the well-defined and strictly controlled traditional Chinese Qigong Baduanjin exercise (BE) would attenuate the adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

METHODS

A total of 110 clinically stable STEMI patients, following successful revascularization of their infarcted coronary arteries, were randomized and enrolled in two groups: 56 were subjected to a 12-week BE-based cardiac rehabilitation programme (BE group), and the remaining 54 were exposed to the usual physical exercise (control group) for the same time period. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to 6 months in the echocardiographic LV end-diastolic volume index (ΔLVEDVi). Proteomic analysis was also performed to uncover associated mechanisms.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, the BE group showed significantly lower ΔLVEDVi (-5.1 ± 1.1 vs. 0.3 ± 1.2 mL/m², P < 0.01). Proteomic analysis revealed BE-induced variations in the expression of 80 proteins linked to regulation the of metabolic process, immune process, and extracellular matrix reorganization. Furthermore, correlation analyses between the validated serum proteomes and primary endpoint demonstrated a positive association between ΔLVEDVi and MMP-9 expression, but a negative correlation between ΔLVEDVi and CXCL1 expression.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study indicating that BE in STEMI patients can alleviate adverse LV remodelling associated with beneficial energy metabolism adaptation, inflammation curbing, and extracellular matrix organization adjustment.

Expiratory Flow Limitation at Different Exercise Intensities in Coronary Artery Disease

Introduction

Expiratory flow limitation (EFL) during moderate intensity exercise is present in patients with myocardial infarction (MI), whereas in healthy subjects it occurs only at a high intensity. However, it is unclear whether this limitation already manifests in those with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (without MI).

Materials and Methods

Forty-one men aged 40–65 years were allocated into (1) recent MI (RMI) group (n = 8), (2) late MI (LMI) group (n = 12), (3) stable CAD group (n = 9), and (4) healthy control group (CG) (n = 12). All participants underwent two cardiopulmonary exercise tests at a constant workload (moderate and high intensity), and EFL was evaluated at the end of each exercise workload.

Results

During moderate intensity exercise, the RMI and LMI groups presented with a significantly higher number of participants with EFL compared to the CG (p < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed among groups at high intensity exercise (p > 0.05). Moreover, EFL was only present in MI groups during moderate intensity exercise, whereas at high intensity all groups presented EFL. Regarding the degree of EFL, the RMI and LMI groups showed significantly higher values at moderate intensity exercise in relation to the CG. At high intensity exercise, significantly higher values for the degree of EFL were observed only in the LMI group.

Conclusion

The ventilatory limitation at moderate intensity exercise may be linked to the pulmonary consequences of the MI, even subjects with preserved cardiac and pulmonary function at rest, and not to CAD per se.

Sacubitril/Valsartan Improves Autonomic Function and Cardiopulmonary Parameters in Patients with Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction

BACKGROUND

Heart rate recovery (HRR) is a marker of vagal tone, which is a powerful predictor of mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Sacubitril/valsartan (S/V) is a treatment for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), which impressively impacts cardiovascular outcome. This study aims at evaluating the effects of S/V on HRR and its correlation with cardiopulmonary indexes in HFrEF patients.

METHODS

Patients with HFrEF admitted to outpatients' services were screened out for study inclusion. S/V was administered according to guidelines. Up-titration was performed every 4 weeks when tolerated. All patients underwent laboratory measurements, Doppler-echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise stress testing (CPET) at baseline and at 12-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Study population consisted of 134 HFrEF patients (87% male, mean age 57.9 ± 9.6 years). At 12-month follow-up, significant improvement in left ventricular ejection fraction (from 28% ± 5.8% to 31.8% ± 7.3%, p < 0.0001), peak exercise oxygen consumption (VO_2peak) (from 15.3 ± 3.7 to 17.8 ± 4.2 mL/kg/min, p < 0.0001), the slope of increase in ventilation over carbon dioxide output (VE/VCO_{2 slope} )(from 33.4 ± 6.2 to 30.3 ± 6.5, p < 0.0001), and HRR (from 11.4 ± 9.5 to 17.4 ± 15.1 bpm, p = 0.004) was observed. Changes in HRR were significantly correlated to changes in VE/VCO_2slope (r = -0.330; p = 0.003). After adjusting for potential confounding factors, multivariate analysis showed that changes in HRR were significantly associated to changes in VE/VCO_2slope (Beta (B) = -0.975, standard error (SE) = 0.364, standardized Beta coefficient (Bstd) = -0.304, p = 0.009). S/V showed significant reduction in exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV) detection at CPET (28 EOV detected at baseline CPET vs. 9 EOV detected at 12-month follow-up, p < 0.001). HRR at baseline CPET was a significant predictor of EOV at 12-month follow-up (B = -2.065, SE = 0.354, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In HFrEF patients, S/V therapy improves autonomic function, functional capacity, and ventilation. Whether these findings might translate into beneficial effects on prognosis and outcome remains to be elucidated.

Oncology and Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Underrated Relationship

Cancer and cardiovascular diseases are globally the leading causes of mortality and morbidity. These conditions are closely related, beyond that of sharing many risk factors. The term bidirectional relationship indicates that cardiovascular diseases increase the likelihood of getting cancer and vice versa. The biological and biochemical pathways underlying this close relationship will be analyzed. In this new overlapping scenario, physical activity and exercise are proven protective behaviors against both cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Many observational studies link an increase in physical activity to a reduction in either the development or progression of cancer, as well as to a reduction in risk in cardiovascular diseases, a non-negligible cause of death for long-term cancer survivors. Exercise is an effective tool for improving cardio-respiratory fitness, quality of life, psychological wellbeing, reducing fatigue, anxiety and depression. Finally, it can counteract the toxic effects of cancer therapy. The protection obtained from physical activity and exercise will be discussed in the various stages of the cancer continuum, from diagnosis, to adjuvant therapy, and from the metastatic phase to long-term effects. Particular attention will be paid to the shelter against chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cardiovascular risk factors or new onset cardiovascular diseases. Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation is an exercise-based multi-component intervention, starting from the model of Cardiac Rehabilitation, with few modifications, to improve care and the prognosis of a patient's cancer. The network of professionals dedicated to Cardiac Rehabilitation is a ready-to-use resource, for implementing Cardio-Oncology Rehabilitation.

Clinical Evidence for Q10 Coenzyme Supplementation in Heart Failure: From Energetics to Functional Improvement

Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are hallmarks of heart failure (HF). Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a vitamin-like organic compound widely expressed in humans as ubiquinol (reduced form) and ubiquinone (oxidized form). CoQ10 plays a key role in electron transport in oxidative phosphorylation of mitochondria. CoQ10 acts as a potent antioxidant, membrane stabilizer and cofactor in the production of adenosine triphosphate by oxidative phosphorylation, inhibiting the oxidation of proteins and DNA. Patients with HF showed CoQ10 deficiency; therefore, a number of clinical trials investigating the effects of CoQ10 supplementation in HF have been conducted. CoQ10 supplementation may confer potential prognostic advantages in HF patients with no adverse hemodynamic profile or safety issues. The latest evidence on the clinical effects of CoQ10 supplementation in HF was reviewed.

High intensity interval training exercise as a novel protocol for cardiac rehabilitation program in ischemic Egyptian patients with mild left ventricular dysfunction

Background

Exercise-based Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a major role in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). The standard protocol is usually of moderate intensity exercise. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) consists of alternating periods of intensive aerobic exercise with periods of passive or active moderate/mild intensity recovery.

Aim

This study aimed to assess HIIT program for ischemic patients attending CR after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) who have mild left ventricular dysfunction and to compare its effect on the functional capacity and quality of life with standard exercise CR program.

Patients and methods

Our study included 40 patients with documented CAD, who participated in the outpatient CR program in Ain Shams University hospital (Al-Demerdash Hospital) divided into two equal groups, each included 20 patients. Group A included the patients who underwent standard cardiac rehabilitation program, while group B joined the high intensity interval training exercise protocol.

Results

Groups A and B showed significant improvement in all items of comparison; especially functional capacity, lipid profile and quality of life. Group B showed better improvements in the emotional well-being items of QOL parameters.

Conclusion

We emphasize the positive effects of exercise-based CR program on patients with CAD and mild left ventricular dysfunction after PCI. The novel high intensity cardiac training proved to be safe and at least as beneficial as the standard moderate intensity cardiac training protocols, with better quality of life improvement.

Improvement in cardiac dysfunction with a novel circuit training method combining simultaneous aerobic-resistance exercises. A randomized trial

Introduction

Exercise is considered a valuable nonpharmacological intervention modality in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs in patients with ischemic heart disease. The effect of aerobic interval exercise combined with alternating sets of resistance training (super-circuit training, SCT) on cardiac patients' with reduced left ventricular function, post-myocardial infarction (MI) has not been thoroughly investigated.

Aim of study

to improve cardiac function with a novel method of combined aerobic-resistance circuit training in a randomized control trial by way of comparing the effectiveness of continuous aerobic training (CAT) to SCT on mechanical cardiac function. Secondary to compare their effect on aerobic fitness, manual strength, and quality of life in men post MI. Finally, to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SCT.

Methods

29 men post-MI participants were randomly assigned to either 12-weeks of CAT (n = 15) or SCT (n = 14). Both groups, CAT and SCT exercised at 60%-70% and 75–85% of their heart rate reserve, respectively. The SCT group also engaged in intermittently combined resistance training. Primary outcome measure was echocardiography. Secondary outcome measures were aerobic fitness, strength, and quality of life (QoL). The effectiveness of the two training programs was examined via paired t-tests and Cohen's d effect size (ES).

Results

Post-training, only the SCT group presented significant changes in echocardiography (a reduction in E/e' and an increase in ejection fraction, P<0.05). Similarly, only the SCT group presented significant changes in aerobic fitness (an increase in maximal metabolic equivalent, P<0.05). In addition, SCT improvement in the physical component of QoL was greater than this observed in the CAT group. In both training programs, no adverse events were observed.

Conclusion

Men post-MI stand to benefit from both CAT and SCT. However, in comparison to CAT, as assessed by echocardiography, SCT may yield greater benefits to the left ventricle mechanical function as well as to the patient's aerobic fitness and physical QoL. Moreover, the SCT program was found to be feasible as well as safe.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for coronary heart disease

BACKGROUND

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the single most common cause of death globally. However, with falling CHD mortality rates, an increasing number of people live with CHD and may need support to manage their symptoms and prognosis. Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) aims to improve the health and outcomes of people with CHD. This is an update of a Cochrane systematic review previously published in 2011.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of exercise-based CR (exercise training alone or in combination with psychosocial or educational interventions) compared with usual care on mortality, morbidity and HRQL in patients with CHD.To explore the potential study level predictors of the effectiveness of exercise-based CR in patients with CHD.

SEARCH METHODS

We updated searches from the previous Cochrane review, by searching Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library, Issue 6, 2014) from December 2009 to July 2014. We also searched MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO) and Science Citation Index Expanded (December 2009 to July 2014).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise-based interventions with at least six months' follow-up, compared with a no exercise control. The study population comprised men and women of all ages who have had a myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), or who have angina pectoris, or coronary artery disease. We included RCTs that reported at least one of the following outcomes: mortality, MI, revascularisations, hospitalisations, health-related quality of life (HRQL), or costs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened all identified references for inclusion based on the above inclusion and exclusion criteria. One author extracted data from the included trials and assessed their risk of bias; a second review author checked data. We stratified meta-analysis by the duration of follow up of trials, i.e. short-term: 6 to 12 months, medium-term: 13 to 36 months, and long-term: > 3 years.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included 63 trials which randomised 14,486 people with CHD. This latest update identified 16 new trials (3872 participants). The population included predominantly post-MI and post-revascularisation patients and the mean age of patients within the trials ranged from 47.5 to 71.0 years. Women accounted for fewer than 15% of the patients recruited. Overall trial reporting was poor, although there was evidence of an improvement in quality of reporting in more recent trials.As we found no significant difference in the impact of exercise-based CR on clinical outcomes across follow-up, we focused on reporting findings pooled across all trials at their longest follow-up (median 12 months). Exercise-based CR reduced cardiovascular mortality compared with no exercise control (27 trials; risk ratio (RR) 0.74, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.86). There was no reduction in total mortality with CR (47 trials, RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.04). The overall risk of hospital admissions was reduced with CR (15 trials; RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.96) but there was no significant impact on the risk of MI (36 trials; RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.04), CABG (29 trials; RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.16) or PCI (18 trials; RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.04).There was little evidence of statistical heterogeneity across trials for all event outcomes, and there was evidence of small study bias for MI and hospitalisation, but no other outcome. Predictors of clinical outcomes were examined across the longest follow-up of studies using univariate meta-regression. Results show that benefits in outcomes were independent of participants' CHD case mix (proportion of patients with MI), type of CR (exercise only vs comprehensive rehabilitation) dose of exercise, length of follow-up, trial publication date, setting (centre vs home-based), study location (continent), sample size or risk of bias.Given the heterogeneity in outcome measures and reporting methods, meta-analysis was not undertaken for HRQL. In five out of 20 trials reporting HRQL using validated measures, there was evidence of significant improvement in most or all of the sub-scales with exercise-based CR compared to control at follow-up. Four trial-based economic evaluation studies indicated exercise-based CR to be a potentially cost-effective use of resources in terms of gain in quality-adjusted life years.The quality of the evidence for outcomes reported in the review was rated using the GRADE method. The quality of the evidence varied widely by outcome and ranged from low to moderate.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This updated Cochrane review supports the conclusions of the previous version of this review that, compared with no exercise control, exercise-based CR reduces the risk of cardiovascular mortality but not total mortality. We saw a significant reduction in the risk of hospitalisation with CR but not in the risk of MI or revascularisation. We identified further evidence supporting improved HRQL with exercise-based CR. More recent trials were more likely to be well reported and include older and female patients. However, the population studied in this review still consists predominantly of lower risk individuals following MI or revascularisation. Further well conducted RCTs are needed to assess the impact of exercise-based CR in higher risk CHD groups and also those presenting with stable angina. These trials should include validated HRQL outcome measures, explicitly report clinical event outcomes including mortality and hospital admissions, and assess costs and cost-effectiveness.

Circulatory and Ventilatory Power: Characterization in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Circulatory power (CP) and ventilatory power (VP) are indices that have been used for the clinical evaluation of patients with heart failure; however, no study has evaluated these indices in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) without heart failure.

Objective

To characterize both indices in patients with CAD compared with healthy controls.

Methods

Eighty-seven men [CAD group = 42 subjects and healthy control group (CG) = 45 subjects] aged 40–65 years were included. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed on a treadmill and the following parameters were measured: 1) peak oxygen consumption (VO₂), 2) peak heart rate (HR), 3) peak blood pressure (BP), 4) peak rate-pressure product (peak systolic HR x peak BP), 5) peak oxygen pulse (peak VO₂/peak HR), 6) oxygen uptake efficiency (OUES), 7) carbon dioxide production efficiency (minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope), 8) CP (peak VO₂ x peak systolic BP) and 9) VP (peak systolic BP/carbon dioxide production efficiency).

Results

The CAD group had significantly lower values for peak VO₂ (p < 0.001), peak HR (p < 0.001), peak systolic BP (p < 0.001), peak rate-pressure product (p < 0.001), peak oxygen pulse (p = 0.008), OUES (p < 0.001), CP (p < 0.001), and VP (p < 0.001) and significantly higher values for peak diastolic BP (p = 0.004) and carbon dioxide production efficiency (p < 0.001) compared with CG. Stepwise regression analysis showed that CP was influenced by group (R² = 0.44, p < 0.001) and VP was influenced by both group and number of vessels with stenosis after treatment (interaction effects: R² = 0.46, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The indices CP and VP were lower in men with CAD than healthy controls.

The effects of different initiation time of exercise training on left ventricular remodeling and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in patients with left ventricular dysfunction after myocardial infarction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to determine whether different initiation of exercise training (ET) produces different effect sizes for left ventricular (LV) remodeling and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in patients with LV dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI).

METHOD

Trials evaluating ET outcomes identified by searches in OVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and WEB OF SCIENCE were used. Meta-analysis was conducted with the use of the software STATA 11.0. The results were expressed as the standardized mean difference (SMD), with corresponding 95% CI and p value.

RESULTS

The largest changes in LV remodeling and cardiopulmonary capacity rehabilitation were obtained when programs began the acute phase after MI. With the healing of MI, the beneficial effects of ET on LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-systolic diameter (LVDs) and peak VO2 were gradually weakened even worse. The incidence of major adverse cardiac events was not significantly increased in acute phase post-MI. Sensitivity analyses show that ET still had significant effect in reducing LVDs and increasing peak VO2, while ET no longer had statistical effect in increasing LVEF but showed favorable trends when the same research institution's works were excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

ET has favorable effects on LV remodeling and cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in LV dysfunction post-MI patients. The greatest benefits are obtained when ET starts at the acute phase following MI.

IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION

Early exercise training is safe and feasible in acute and healing phase after myocardial infarction. Early exercise training could attenuate LV remodeling and improve cardiopulmonary capacity in patients with myocardial infarction after hospital discharge (around one week post-MI). Exercise training has favorable effects on LV remodeling and cardiopulmonary capacity rehabilitation. Exercise training should be treated to have the same roles with drugs in secondary prevention of myocardial infarction.

Clinical characteristics and course of patients with diabetes entering cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Using data from the Italian SurveY on carDiac rEhabilitation (ISYDE-2008), this study provides insight into the level of implementation of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) in patients with diabetes.

METHODS

Data from 165 CR units were collected online from January 28th to February 10th, 2008.

RESULTS

The study cohort consisted of 2281 patients (66.9 ± 12 yrs); 475 (69.7 ± 10 yrs, 74% male) patients with diabetes and 1806 (66.2 ± 12 yrs, 72% male) non-diabetic patients. Compared to non-diabetic patients, patients with diabetes were older and showed more comorbidity [myocardial infarction (32% vs. 19%, p < 0.0001), peripheral artery disease (10% vs. 5%, p < 0.0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20% vs. 11%, p < 0.0001), chronic kidney disease (20% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001), and cognitive impairment (5% vs. 2%, p = 0.0009), respectively], and complications during CR [re-infarction (3% vs. 1%, p = 0.04), acute renal failure (9% vs. 4%, p < 0.0001), sternal revision (3% vs. 1%, p = 0.01), inotropic support/mechanical assistance (7% vs. 4%, p = 0.01), respectively]; a more complex clinical course and interventions with less functional evaluation and a different pattern of drug therapy at hospital discharge. Notably, in 51 (3%) and in 104 (6%) of the non-diabetic cohort, insulin and hypoglycemic agents were prescribed, respectively, at hospital discharge from CR suggesting a careful evaluation of the glycemic metabolism during CR program, independent of the diagnosis at the admission. Mortality was similar among diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients (1% vs. 0.5%, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSIONS

This survey provided a detailed overview of the clinical characteristics, complexity and more severe clinical course of diabetic patients admitted to CR.

[Effects of long-term exercise training on left ventricular function and remodeling in patients with anterior wall myocardial infarction]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of long-term exercise training on the function and remodeling of the left ventricle after myocardial infarction.

METHODS

We studied 90 patients with a first acute anterior-wall myocardial infarction, all received conventional medical treatment. Symptom-limited maximal exercise stress tests, echocardiograms and effort-rest isotopic ventriculographies at 2, 6 and 12 months after myocardial infarction were performed; the follow-up time averaged 36.3±17 months. All patients joined a cardiac rehabilitation program with moderate or intense exercise training lasting at least a year. Of all patients, 41.1% suffered severe left ventricle dysfunction.

RESULTS

Ergometric parameters that expressed functional capacity increased significantly (P<.0005) at the sixth month evaluation and remained unchanged after a year. There was significant decrease (P<.01) of exercise myocardial ischemia at 6 months. The variables that measured size and function of left ventricle did not change during evolution. Morbidity amounted to 16.7% and total mortality of the series was 13.3%, with 8.9% of cardiovascular cause.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term exercise training showed no deleterious effects on left ventricle function or remodeling and beneficial functional and clinical effects were obtained in these rehabilitated postinfarction patients.

Effect of spironolactone on cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

Few studies have reported the effect of aldosterone receptor antagonist (ARA) on myocardial remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). This study was undertaken to investigate the preventive effect of ARA on myocardial remodeling after AMI.

METHODS

A total of 616 patients who had been admitted into the CCU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University from January 2008 to January 2010 were studied prospectively. Only 528 patients were observed completely, including 266 of the control group and 262 of the treatment group. There was no statistical difference in age, gender, medical history, admission situation, and treatment between the two groups (P>0.05). The preventive effects of spironolactone on cardiac remodeling, left ventricular function, renal function and blood levels of potassium were evaluated by echocardiography, serum potassium and serum creatinine at one-month and one-year follow-up.

RESULTS

The echocardiography indicators such as LVESD, LVEDD, LVEF, LAD-ML and LAD-SI were significantly improved in the treatment group compared with the control group at one year (P<0.05). In the treatment group, LVESD, LVEDD, LVPWT, LVEF, LAD-ML and LAD-SI were more significantly improved at one year than one month (P<0.05, P=0.007 to LVEF), and in the control group LVEF was more significantly improved at one year than one month (P=0.0277). There were no significant differences in serum potassium and serum creatinine levels between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

On the basis of conventional treatment, the early combination of low-dose spironolactone (20 mg/d) could inhibit cardiac remodeling at late stage and prevent heart failure.

The impacts of cardiac rehabilitation program on echocardiographic parameters in coronary artery disease patients with left ventricular dysfunction

Introduction. The accurate impact of exercise on coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with left ventricular dysfunction is still debatable. We studied the effects of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on echocardiography parameters in CAD patients with ventricular dysfunction. Methods. Patients with CAD who had ventricular dysfunction were included into an exercise-based rehabilitation program and received rehabilitation for eight weeks. All subjects underwent echocardiography before and at the end of the rehabilitation program. The echocardiography parameters, including left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), LV end-diastolic (LVEDD) and end-systolic diameters (LVESD), and peak exercise capacity measured in metabolic equivalents (METs), were assessed. Results. Seventy patients (mean age = 57.5 ± 10.2 years, 77.1% males) were included into the study. At the end of rehabilitation period, the LVEF increased from 45.14 ± 5.77% to 50.44 ± 8.70% (P < 0.001), and the peak exercise capacity increased from 8.00 ± 2.56 to 10.08 ± 3.00 METs (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in LVEDD (54.63 ± 12.96 to 53.86 ± 8.95 mm, P = 0.529) or in LVESD (38.91 ± 10.83 to 38.09 ± 9.04 mm, P = 0.378) after rehabilitation. Conclusion. Exercise training in postmyocardial infarction patients with ventricular dysfunction could have beneficial effects on cardiac function without adversely affecting LV remodeling or causing serious cardiac complications.

Exercise training early after acute myocardial infarction reduces stress-induced hypoperfusion and improves left ventricular function

PURPOSE

Exercise training might exert its beneficial effects on myocardial perfusion by inducing coronary vascular adaptations or enhancing collateralization. We evaluated whether long-term exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation started early after ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves myocardial perfusion and left ventricular (LV) function.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with recent STEMI and residual inducible hypoperfusion were randomized into two groups: 25 enrolled in a 6-month outpatient exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme (group T) and 21 discharged with generic instructions for maintaining physical activity and correct lifestyle (group C). All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and dipyridamole rest gated myocardial perfusion single photon emission computed tomography within 1 week after STEMI and at 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS

At follow-up, group T showed an improvement in peak oxygen consumption, oxygen pulse and in the slope of increase in ventilation over carbon dioxide output (all p < 0.01) associated with a reduction of stress-induced hypoperfusion (p < 0.01) and an improvement in resting and post-stress wall motion score indexes (both p < 0.01), resting and post-stress wall thickening score indexes (both p < 0.05) and resting and post-stress LV ejection fraction (both p < 0.05). On the contrary, no changes in cardiopulmonary indexes, myocardial perfusion and LV function parameters were observed in group C at follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Exercise training started early after STEMI reduces stress-induced hypoperfusion and improves LV function and contractility. Exercise-induced changes in myocardial perfusion and function were associated with the absence of unfavourable LV remodelling and with an improvement of cardiovascular functional capacity.

Impact of cardiac rehabilitation exercise program on left ventricular diastolic function in coronary artery disease: a pilot study

Diastolic dysfunction is common in coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) improves survival and quality of life but its effect on diastolic function is unclear. We sought to determine the impact of CR on diastolic function. We conducted a prospective study of CAD patients referred for 3-month outpatient CR, with pre-CR and post-CR echocardiograms. Twenty-five outpatients (age [mean ± SD], 66 ± 11 ! years; 7 [28 %] women; 22 [88 %] with recent acute coronary syndrome) were recruited upon beginning CR; one patient lacking follow-up was excluded from analysis. Before CR, patients' mean ejection fraction was 61 ± 7 %; regional wall motion score index was 1.18 ± 0.28; and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction existed in 21 (88 %). Of the 24 (96 %) patients with post-CR follow-up, 12 (50 %) had improved diastolic function, 2 of the 24 (8 %) had normal diastolic function throughout, nine (38 %) remained at the same grade, and one (4 %) had worsened diastolic function. The E/e' ratio improved significantly after CR (11.9 ± 4.5 vs. 10.7 ± 4.5; P = .048). Fourteen patients with normal or improved diastolic function had a greater decrease in left atrial volume index (-4.2 ± 6.3 vs. 1.6 ± 6.3 mL/m(2); P = .04) and a greater increase in peak untwisting rate (20 ± 36 vs. -42 ± 45 °/s; P = .003) than did patients with no diastolic improvement. Three-month, exercise-based CR was associated with improved left ventricular diastolic function in half of our patients. Further large studies are needed to clarify the effect of CR on diastolic dysfunction in patients with CAD.

Effects of exercise training started within 2 weeks after acute myocardial infarction on myocardial perfusion and left ventricular function: a gated SPECT imaging study

BACKGROUND

Several studies suggested that exercise training might improve myocardial perfusion by inducing coronary vascular adaptations or enhancing collateralization. However, these findings were obtained in patients with chronic coronary artery disease using thallium-201 myocardial perfusion scintigraphy. We evaluated whether a long-term exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (CR) started early (9 ± 3 days) after ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) improves myocardial perfusion and left ventricular (LV) function, evaluated by gated single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled study.

METHODS

Fifty patients with recent STEMI were randomized into two groups: 24 enrolled in a 6-month exercise-based CR programme (group T) and 26 discharged with generic instructions for maintaining physical activity and correct lifestyle (group C). All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise test and gated SPECT within 3 weeks after STEMI and at 6-month follow up.

RESULTS

At follow up, group T showed a significant reduction of stress-induced ischaemia (p < 0.01) and an improvement in resting and post-stress wall motion (both p < 0.005) and resting (p < 0.05) and post-stress wall thickness (p < 0.005) score indexes. At follow up, group T showed an improvement in peak oxygen consumption (p < 0.0001), O(2) pulse (p < 0.05), and in the slope of increase in ventilation over carbon dioxide output (p < 0.001). No changes in myocardial perfusion parameters, LV function, and cardiopulmonary indexes were observed in group C at follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

Six months of exercise training early after STEMI reduces stress-induced ischaemia and improves LV wall motion and thickness. Exercise-induced changes in myocardial perfusion and function were associated with the absence of unfavourable LV remodelling and with the improvement of cardiovascular functional capacity.

A meta-analysis of the effects of exercise training on left ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction: start early and go longer for greatest exercise benefits on remodeling

Background

The effects of variations in exercise training on Left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients shortly after Myocardial Infarction (MI) are important but poorly understood.

Methods

Systematic review incorporating meta-analysis using meta-regression. Studies were identified via systematic searches of: OVID MEDLINE (1950 to 2009), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (1991 to 2009), AMED (1985 to 2009), EMBASE (1988 to 2009), PUBMED (1966 to 2009), SPORT DISCUS (1975 to 2009), SCOPUS (1950 to 2009) and WEB OF SCIENCE (1950 to 2009) using the medical subject headings: myocardial infarction, post myocardial infarction, post infarction, heart attack, ventricular remodeling, ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, left ventricular function, exercise, exercise therapy, kinesiotherapy, exercise training. Reference lists of all identified studies were also manually searched for further relevant studies. Studies selected were randomized controlled trials of exercise training interventions reporting ejection fraction (EF) and/or ventricular volumes in patients following recent MI (≤ 3 months) post-MI patients involving control groups. Studies were excluded if they were not randomized, did not have a 'usual-care' control (involving no exercise), evaluated a non-exercise intervention, or did not involve human subjects. Non-English studies were also excluded.

Results

After screening of 1029 trials, trials were identified that reported EF (12 trials, n = 647), End Systolic Volumes (ESV) (9 trials, n = 475) and End Diastolic Volumes (EDV) (10 trials, n = 512). Meta-regression identified that changes in EF effect size difference decreased as the time between MI and initiation of the exercise program lengthened, and increased as the duration of the program increased (Q = 25.48, df = 2, p < 0.01, R² = 0.76). Greater reductions in ESV and EDV (as indicated by effect size decreases) occurred with earlier initiation of exercise training and with longer training durations (ESV: Q = 23.89, df = 2, p < 0.05, R² = 0.79; EDV: Q = 27.42, df = 2, p < 0.01, R² = 0.83). Differences remained following sensitivity analysis. Each week that exercise was delayed required an additional month of training to achieve the same level of benefit on LV remodeling.

Conclusions

Exercise training has beneficial effects on LV remodeling in clinically stable post-MI patients with greatest benefits occurring when training starts earlier following MI (from one week) and lasts longer than 3 months.

The effects of spironolactone on atrial remodeling in patients with preserved left ventricular function after an acute myocardial infarction: a randomized follow-up study

OBJECTIVES

Atrial remodeling is an important part of cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spironolactone on atria in patients with preserved left ventricular (LV) functions after AMI by using two-dimensional and tissue Doppler imaging techniques (TDI).

METHODS

The study consisted of 110 patients with AMI, successfully revascularized with percutaneous coronary intervention, ejection fraction greater than or equal to 40%, and Killip class I-II. Patients were randomized into two groups: conventional therapy (n=55) and additional spironolactone of 25 mg/day with standard conventional therapy (n=55). Echocardiography was performed in the first 48-72 h of AMI and during 6 months of follow-up. Left atrial volume index and emptying fraction were obtained. The peak regional atrial contraction velocity, the time between the onset of p-wave on the monitor ECG and the onset, peak, and the end (TE) of the atrial contraction wave on the tissue Doppler technique curve were measured.

RESULTS

The left atrial volume index and left atrium (LA) dimensions did not significantly change in either group. In the spironolactone group, left atrial emptying fraction increased compared with both baseline value (from 53.0 ± 0.16 to 57.0 ± 0.13 P=0.011) and conventional therapy group (from 50.0 ± 0.17 to 47.0 ± 0.16, P=0.013). The atrial contraction velocity did not change but the LA-TE, interatrial septum-TE, and right atrium-TE were prolonged in the conventional therapy group.

CONCLUSION

Additional spironolactone therapy provided a little benefit on LA remodeling and atrial electromechanic properties in patients with AMI and preserved LV functions.

Autonomic dysfunction is associated with high mobility group box-1 levels in patients after acute myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein, a critical mediator of inflammatory processes, is a novel predictor of adverse post-infarction clinical outcomes, being involved in the healing process after MI. Heart rate recovery (HRR), a marker of autonomic function defined as the fall in heart rate during the first minute after exercise, is a powerful predictor of mortality in post-infarction patients. The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that HMGB1 is associated with autonomic dysfunction in post-infarction patients.

METHODS

Sixty-seven consecutive patients (mean age 59.3 years, 84% males) recovering from acute MI were included in the study protocol. All patients underwent Doppler-echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise and HMGB1 assay.

RESULTS

HMGB1 levels were inversely correlated with peak oxygen consumption (VO(2peak)) (r=-0.449, P<0.001), with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (r=-0.360, P=0.003), and with HRR (r=-0.387, P<0.001). In a linear regression analysis adjusted for multiple confounders, we found a significant inverse association between HMGB1 levels and HRR independent of age, gender, body mass index, VO(2peak), slope of increase in ventilation over carbon dioxide output (VE/VCO(2slope)), and presence of diabetes (beta=-0.377, P=0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided the first evidence for a significant association between increased HMGB1 levels and autonomic dysfunction expressed by post-exercise slower HRR in post-infarction patients. The prognostic implication of such association needs to be explored as well as whether HMGB1 could represent a valid marker for risk stratification either during the acute phase or long-term after MI.