Risk predictors and frequency of cardiovascular symptoms occurring during cardiac rehabilitation programs in phase III-WHO.
BACKGROUND
Rehabilitation in ambulatory heart groups has become a well established part of comprehensive cardiac treatment in Germany. Identifying patients at risk for cardiovascular symptoms is important for the efficiency and safety of the program.


METHODS
Questionnaires were mailed to ambulatory heart groups in the state of Hessen, Germany, and returned by 1935/13 174 (15%) patients, age 65.9 +/- 7.6 years, 1504/1935 (77.7%) males, comprising approximately 674 000 patient exercise hours.


RESULTS
828 symptoms were reported by 538 patients, comprising dyspnea in 330/538 (61.3%), angina pectoris in 80/538 (14.9%), palpitation in 145/538 (27%), tachycardia in 59/538 (11%), dizziness in 152/538 (28.3%), fainting in 6/538 (1.1%), and others in 47/538 (8.7%). Cardiovascular symptoms occurred more frequently in patients presenting with overexertion (43/68 (63.2%), p < 0.0001, RR 4.77 [95% CI 3.01-7.56]), chronic heart failure (115/291 (39.5%) vs 419/1624 (25.8%), p < 0.0001, RR 1.88 [95% CI 1.45-2.43]), lower exercise capacity (1.49 +/- 0.4 vs 1.59 +/- 0.5 W/kg body weight, p = 0.0002, mean difference -0.096 [95% CI (-0.146) -(-0.046)]), hypertension (269/ 854 (31.5%) vs 266/1068 (24.9%), p = 0.001, RR 1.39 [95% CI 1.14-1.69]), and hyperlipidemia (280/ 907 (30.9%) vs 255/1015 (25.1%), p = 0.005, RR 1.33 [95% CI 1.09-1.63]). Cardiovascular symptoms were more frequent in women (141/431(32.7%) vs 397/1503 (26.4%), p = 0.01, RR 1.35 [95% CI 1.08-1.71]). Overexertion (p < 0.0001), heart failure (p = 0.003), and hypertension (p = 0.05) are significant independent predictors of cardiovascular symptoms, while female gender (p = 0.06), and hyperlipidemia (p = 0.07) are not as significant. Previous myocardial infarction and diabetes had no statistical significant impact on cardiovascular symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients likely to experience cardiovascular symptoms in ambulatory rehabilitation can be identified by their medical history and perceived exertion.
Unverdorben
Martin
M
Clinical Research Institute, Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Heinz-Meise-Strasse 100, 36199 Rotenburg an der Fulda, Germany.
Unverdorben
Susanne
S
Edel
Klaus
K
Degenhardt
Ralf
R
Brusis
Otto A
OA
Vallbracht
Christian
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001835:Body Weight; D000072038:Cardiac Rehabilitation; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010807:Physical Endurance; D005082:Physical Exertion; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires