title: Favourable effects of exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation after acute myocardial infarction on left atrial remodeling.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Left atrial enlargement is an important predictor of cardiovascular outcomes in patients after acute myocardial infarction. While the favourable effect of exercise exercise-based Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) on postinfarction LV remodeling has been well documented, those on LA remodeling have yet to be defined. This study investigated the effects of CR on LA remodeling in postinfarction patients with moderate left ventricular (LV) dysfunction.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty postinfarction patients were randomised randomized into two groups, each composed of 30 patients: group T (LV ejection fraction (EF) 43.7+/-4.2%, mean+/-SD) entered a 6-month CR program, whereas group C (EF 44.7+/-4.4%, P=ns) did not. Doppler echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed upon enrolment and at 6-month.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 6-month, trained patients showed a significant (P<0.001) improvement in peak oxygen consumption (DeltaVO(2peak)=+5.2+/-2.1 ml/kg/min) and a reduction in LA (DeltaLAV(MAX)=-1.9+/-3.7 ml/m(2)) and in LV volumes (DeltaLVEDV=-3.6+/-4.4 ml/m(2)). At 6-month, untrained patients showed LAV(MAX) (+3.6+/-4.4 ml/m(2), P<0.001) and LV dilation (+4.2+/-5.1 ml/m(2), P<0.001; group T vs. C, P<0.001); whereas no significant changes in VO(2peak) were observed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age (beta=0.442, P<0.001), inclusion in the training group (beta=-0.599, P<0.001), E/A ratio (beta=-0.210, P=0.038), LVEDV (beta=0.376, P<0.001), and LVEF (beta=-0.279, P=0.007) are significant predictors of LA remodeling.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Six-month exercise-based CR in postinfarction patients with mild to moderate LV dysfunction induced a favourable LA remodeling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Medicine, Cardiovascular and Immunological Sciences, Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy. giallauria@libero.it
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Giallauria
authors.forename: Gianluigi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Galizia
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lucci
authors.forename: Mariantonietta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vitelli
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Maresca
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Orio
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vigorito
mesh_terms: D006332:Cardiomegaly / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D015150:Echocardiography, Doppler; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006325:Heart Atria / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012046:Rehabilitation / Q000379:methods*; D013318:Stroke Volume; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000534:rehabilitation*