Management of patients with ST-segment elevation or non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes in cardiac rehabilitation centers.
BACKGROUND
Current data on the management of patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after an acute hospital stay due to ST-segment elevation or non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (STE-ACS or NSTE-ACS) are limited. We aimed to describe patient characteristics, risk factor management, and lipid target achievement of patients in CR in Germany and compare the 2 groups.


OBJECTIVE
With respect to the risk factor pattern and treatment effects during a CR stay, there are important differences between STE-ACS and NSTE-ACS patients.


METHODS
Comparison of 7950 patients by STE-ACS or NSTE-ACS status in the Transparency Registry to Objectify Guideline-Oriented Risk Factor Management registry (2010) who underwent an inpatient CR period of about 3 weeks.


RESULTS
STE-ACS patients compared to NSTE-ACS patients were significantly younger (60.5 vs 64.4 years, P < 0.0001), and had diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or any risk factor (exception: smoking) less often. At discharge, in STE-ACS compared to NSTE-ACS patients, the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) <100 mg/dL goal was achieved by 75.3% and 76.2%, respectively (LDL-C <70 mg/dL by 27.7% and 27.4%), the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol goal of >50 mg/dL in women and >40 mg/dL in men was achieved by 49.3% and 49.0%, respectively, and the triglycerides goal of <150 mg/dl was achieved by 72.3% and 74.3%, respectively (all comparisons not significant). Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 121/74 and 123/74 mm Hg, respectively (P < 0.0001 systolic, diastolic not significant). The maximum exercise capacity was 110 and 102 W, respectively (P < 0.0001), and the maximum walking distance was 581 and 451 meters, respectively (P value not significant).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with STE-ACS and NSTE-ACS differed moderately in their baseline characteristics. Both groups benefited from the participation in CR, as their lipid profile, blood pressure, and physical fitness improved.
Rona
R
Reibis
Heinz
H
Völler
Anselm
A
Gitt
Christina
C
Jannowitz
Martin
M
Halle
David
D
Pittrow
Steven
S
Hildemann
D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012042:Registries; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D008055:Lipids