Effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program on left ventricular systolic function and mass in patient after myocardial infarction

Background: The positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) on cardiovascular patients have been demonstrated. However, their effectiveness in improving systolic function and preventing remodeling process needs to be further evaluated. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week CRP on left ventricular systolic function and mass in patients after myocardial infarction. Methods: A total number of 29 male patients with myocardial infarction were allocated into cardiac training group (n = 15; mean age = 54.2 ±9.04 years) and control group (n = 14; mean age = 51.71 ± 6.98 years). Patients in the training group performed an 8-week CRP with an intensity of 60-85 of maximum heart rate. The program was performed 3 times a week and each session lasted 60 minutes. Before the CRP and at the end of the study, all patients underwent 2-dimentional echocardiography for left ventricular systolic function and mass to be assessed. Findings: Our findings showed that the 8-week CRP improved left ventricular systolic function in the patients. At the end of the CRP, left ventricular end diastolic dimension increased in the control group. On the other hand, end diastolic volume and end systolic volume decreased significantly in the training group. In addition, ejection fraction and stroke volume increased significantly in the training group. Although left ventricular mass decreased in the training group, the difference between the two groups was not significant. Conclusion: An 8-week CRP in post-myocardial infarction patients can lead to improved systolic function and decreased left ventricular mass and thus prevent cardiomegaly