[Effects of rehabilitation on cardiovascular autonomic function in ischemic cardiopathy].
METHODS
Twenty patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction randomized in two groups (group 1 and 2) of ten patients were investigated. Only group 1 trained four months according to a protocol of rehabilitation, whereas patients of group 2 followed their usual activity (control group). The autonomic cardiovascular function was estimated by Ewing's tests, that evaluate the variations of heart rate and blood pressure during deep breathing.


RESULTS
Our data showed an increase of parasympathetic tone in group 1 (Valsalva ratio 1.55 +/- 0.28 vs 1.36 +/- 0.28, p < 0.01; variation in heart rate during deep breathing 17.3 +/- 4.6 vs 13.3 +/- 4.2). The sympathetic activity tests showed no significant difference after training. On the other hand, group 2 showed no significant difference in sympathetic and parasympathetic activity.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with uncomplicated myocardial infarction physical training increases the parasympathetic activity; as shown in the literature, such an increase can have clinical and prognostic importance, since improves cardiac performance and reduces the risk of sudden death from arrhythmic events.
Galetta
F
F
Istituto di Clinica Medica II, Università, Pisa.
Puccini
E
E
Lunardi
M
M
Stella
S M
SM
Rossi
M
M
Cini
G
G
Prattichizzo
F
F
D000368:Aged; D001341:Autonomic Nervous System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
Effetti della riabilitazione sulla funzione autonomica cardiovascolare nella cardiopatia ischemica.