Recent advances in cardiac rehabilitation

Molecular perspectives in hypertrophic heart disease: An epigenetic approach from chromatin modification

Epigenetic changes induced by environmental factors are increasingly relevant in cardiovascular diseases. The most frequent molecular component in cardiac hypertrophy is the reactivation of fetal genes caused by various pathologies, including obesity, arterial hypertension, aortic valve stenosis, and congenital causes. Despite the multiple investigations performed to achieve information about the molecular components of this pathology, its influence on therapeutic strategies is relatively scarce. Recently, new information has been taken about the proteins that modify the expression of fetal genes reactivated in cardiac hypertrophy. These proteins modify the DNA covalently and induce changes in the structure of chromatin. The relationship between histones and DNA has a recognized control in the expression of genes conditioned by the environment and induces epigenetic variations. The epigenetic modifications that regulate pathological cardiac hypertrophy are performed through changes in genomic stability, chromatin architecture, and gene expression. Histone 3 trimethylation at lysine 4, 9, or 27 (H3-K4; -K9; -K27me3) and histone demethylation at lysine 9 and 79 (H3-K9; -K79) are mediators of reprogramming in pathologic hypertrophy. Within the chromatin architecture modifiers, histone demethylases are a group of proteins that have been shown to play an essential role in cardiac cell differentiation and may also be components in the development of cardiac hypertrophy. In the present work, we review the current knowledge about the influence of epigenetic modifications in the expression of genes involved in cardiac hypertrophy and its possible therapeutic approach.

The experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome: An integrative literature review

AIM

There is lack of evidence and research understanding among women's lived experiences following first acute coronary syndrome, thus their recovery process remains poorly understood. To date research has largely focused on men's experience of acute coronary syndrome while this area of health care and recovery has considerable impact on women's health and quality of life. Our aim was to review the literature exploring lived experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome.

DESIGN

Integrative review of the literature.

DATA SOURCE

We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Scopus from 2008-2018 for articles published in English.

REVIEW METHOD

Of 1675 publications identified, 18 qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies met our inclusion criteria. Quality of included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute quality assessment tools. Findings were integrated using thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Experiencing acute coronary syndrome was reported to have significant impacts on women's lives. The most common issues reported were physical limitations, fear, and uncertainties about the future, sexual dissatisfaction, and social isolation. Women also reported to have higher short- and long-term mortality rate, stroke, recurrent, and hospital readmissions compared with men.

CONCLUSION

This review identified current knowledge and gaps about lived experience of women following first acute coronary syndrome. It is anticipated that the information gained from this literature review will support new research aimed at improving the care women receive following acute coronary syndrome and therefore enhance their recovery and quality of life.

IMPACT

This review contributes to the current body of knowledge by addressing women's physical, psychosocial, and sexual state following acute coronary syndrome. Improvement in women's quality of life after acute coronary syndrome necessitates further research which ultimately results in better management and treatment of women and their recovery following first acute coronary syndrome.

Evolving Role of Exercise Testing in Contemporary Cardiac Rehabilitation

Symptom-limited (maximal) exercise testing before cardiac rehabilitation (CR) was once an unambiguous standard of care. In particular, it served as an important screen for residual ischemia and instability before initiating a progressive exercise training regimen. However, improved revascularization and therapy for coronary heart disease has led many clinicians to downplay this application of exercise testing, especially because such testing is also a potential encumbrance to CR enrollment (delaying ease and efficiency of enrollment after procedures and hospitalizations) and patient burden (eg, added costs, logistic hassle, and anxiety). Nonetheless, exercise testing has enduring value for CR, especially because it reveals dynamic physiological responses as well as ischemia, arrhythmias, and symptoms pertinent to exercise prescription and training and to overall stability and prognosis. Moreover, as indications for CR have expanded, the value of exercise testing and functional assessment is more relevant than ever in the growing population of eligible patients, including those with heart failure, valvular heart disease, and posttransplantation, especially as current patients also tend to be more clinically complex, with advanced ages, multimorbidity, frailty, and obesity. This review focuses on the appropriate use of exercise testing in the CR setting. Graded exercise tests, cardiopulmonary exercise tests, submaximal walking tests, and other functional assessments (strength, frailty) for CR are discussed.

Internet-based training of coronary artery patients: the Heart Cycle Trial

Low adherence to cardiac rehabilitation (CR) might be improved by remote monitoring systems that can be used to motivate and supervise patients and tailor CR safely and effectively to their needs. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a smartphone-guided training system (GEX) and whether it could improve exercise capacity compared to CR delivered by conventional methods for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). A prospective, randomized, international, multi-center study comparing CR delivered by conventional means (CG) or by remote monitoring (IG) using a new training steering/feedback tool (GEx System). This consisted of a sensor monitoring breathing rate and the electrocardiogram that transmitted information on training intensity, arrhythmias and adherence to training prescriptions, wirelessly via the internet, to a medical team that provided feedback and adjusted training prescriptions. Exercise capacity was evaluated prior to and 6 months after intervention. 118 patients (58 ± 10 years, 105 men) with CAD referred for CR were randomized (IG: n = 55, CG: n = 63). However, 15 patients (27 %) in the IG and 18 (29 %) in the CG withdrew participation and technical problems prevented a further 21 patients (38 %) in the IG from participating. No training-related complications occurred. For those who completed the study, peak VO₂ improved more (p = 0.005) in the IG (1.76 ± 4.1 ml/min/kg) compared to CG (-0.4 ± 2.7 ml/min/kg). A newly designed system for home-based CR appears feasible, safe and improves exercise capacity compared to national CR. Technical problems reflected the complexity of applying remote monitoring solutions at an international level.

Effects of a psychoeducational intervention for secondary prevention in Korean patients with coronary artery disease: a pilot study

This intervention study was designed to examine whether a 12-week psychoeducational intervention influenced recurrent cardiac events, symptom experience and treatment adherence of patients with coronary artery disease. Fifty-eight patients were randomized to either the intervention or the control group. Measures were taken at baseline, after intervention, and at 6-month follow-up. Recurrent cardiac events included revascularization, rehospitalization, emergency room visits and mortality. Symptom experiences were measured using the Seattle Angina Questionnaire-Korean and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Treatment adherence included health behaviours, routine check-up and medication adherence. At 6-month follow-up, the intervention group had significantly better physical functions and lower anxiety and depressive symptoms. Treatment adherence was also significantly higher in the intervention group than the control group. No significant difference was noticed in the incidence of recurrent cardiac events between the groups. A longer follow-up study is needed to determine the long-term effects on the prevention of recurrent cardiac events.

Evaluation of a newly designed shirt-based ECG and breathing sensor for home-based training as part of cardiac rehabilitation for coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Participation in phase-III cardiac rehabilitation (CR) remains low but adherence could potentially be improved with supervised home-based CR. New technological approaches are needed to provide sufficient supervision with respect to safety and performance of individual exercise programmes.

DESIGN

The newly designed closed-loop tool, HeartCycle's guided exercise (GEX) system, will support professionals and patients during exercise-based CR. Patients wear a dedicated shirt with incorporated wireless sensors, and ECG, heart rate (HR), breathing frequency (BF), and activity are monitored during exercise. This information is streamed live to a mobile device (PDA) that processes these parameters.

METHODS

A phase-I study was performed to evaluate feasibility, function, and reliability of this GEX device and compare it to conventional cardiac exercise testing (CPX, spiroergometry) in 50 patients (seven women, mean ± SD age 69 ± 9 years, body mass index 26 ± 3 kg/m(2), ejection fraction 58 ± 10%). ECG, HR, and BF were monitored using standard equipment and the GEX device simultaneously. Furthermore, HR recorded on the PDA was compared with CPX measurements.

RESULTS

The fit of the shirt and the sensor was good. No technical problems were encountered. All occurring arrhythmia were reliably detected. There was an acceptable comparability between HR on the GEX device vs. CPX, a good comparability between HR on the PDA vs. CPX, and a moderate comparability between BF on the GEX device vs.

CPX CONCLUSIONS

Comparability between CPX and the GEX device was acceptable for HR measurement and moderate for BF; arrhythmias were reliably detected. HR processing and display on the PDA was even better comparable. The whole system seems suitable for monitoring home-based CR. Further studies are now needed to implement training prescription to facilitate individual exercise.

Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation in patients with coronary heart disease: meta-analysis outcomes revisited

Cardiac rehabilitation that includes either exercise training alone or exercise training in addition to psychosocial, risk factor management and/or educational interventions is considered a Class I indication [i.e., useful and effective] for patients with coronary heart disease. This overview of six independent cardiac rehabilitation meta-analyses published since 2000 includes a total of 71 randomized clinical trials (n = 13,824 patients) and clearly demonstrates significant clinical outcomes (reduced all-cause and cardiac mortality, nonfatal reinfarction and reduced hospitalization rates) and significant positive changes in modifiable risk factors (total cholesterol, triglycerides and systolic blood pressure). Despite the observation that the elderly, females, minority ethnic groups, low socioeconomic status patients and patients with comorbidities have not been well represented in the randomized clinical trials. Recent guidelines in the UK and USA have concluded with the recommendation that cardiac rehabilitation is reasonable and necessary and should be promoted by healthcare professionals, including senior medical staff.