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Background: Disparities in coronary heart disease and related risk factors persist. It is unknown if cardiac rehabilitation (CR) narrows the gap in risk factor control between black and white patients. Thus, we compared baseline characteristics and secondary prevention outcomes between black and white CR patients., Methods: Data from patient records (n = 616, mean age 62 +/- 10 years, 29% women, 25% black) collected between January 1996 and June 2006 were examined. Comparisons were made between Blacks and Whites for baseline characteristics, changes in secondary prevention measures during CR, and the proportion of patients at treatment goals before and after CR. General linear regression modeling was used to determine the effect of race/ethnicity on outcomes., Results: At baseline, Blacks had more hypertension and diabetes and more adverse measures for blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), hemoglobin A1c, 6-minute walk distance, and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component score. At CR completion, improvement (P < .05) was achieved among whites in all measures except for HDL-C and systolic blood pressure. Among Blacks, improvement did not reach significance for HDL-C, body mass index, waist circumference, and hemoglobin A1c (when diabetes was present). When adjusting for age, gender, number of sessions attended, and baseline measure, Whites improved more than Blacks in 6-minute walk distance, self-reported physical activity, body mass index, waist circumference, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c (all P < .05)., Conclusion: Blacks entered CR with more adverse risk factor measures compared with Whites. Although both groups gained secondary prevention benefits, the degree of improvement was less for Blacks than Whites, and this was especially evident among black women.

The recent decision by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand the indications for cardiac rehabilitation (CR) provides an opportunity to review the clinical evidence of the efficacy of exercise in the CR setting for patients who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft surgery, stable angina, percutaneous coronary intervention, chronic heart failure, cardiac transplant, or cardiac valve repair/replacement. Evidence shows that physician-directed, exercise-based CR positively affects the basic pathophysiology of coronary artery disease, the extent of disability and level of quality of life, and the ability to potentially impact events of both morbidity and mortality. The role of CR, including regular exercise, lifestyle modification, and appropriate medical therapy, is effective in younger and older men and women with cardiac diagnoses. The efficacy of this important therapeutic modality warrants its more widespread application.

Background: Despite the documented efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), a minority of patients with diagnosed coronary artery disease are referred. Although referral is a necessary step in the promotion of CR uptake, little is known about its determinants., Purpose: The objective of this paper was to systematically review the available literature on factors predicting referral of patients to CR to appraise both their relative impact and consistency across studies., Methods: Studies were identified by searching MEDLINE (1966-2003), CINAHL (1982-2003), HealthSTAR (1975-2003), EMBASE (1966-2003), and The Cochrane Library Controlled Trials. Search terms were "myocardial infarction," "acute myocardial infarction," "coronary artery disease," combined with "rehabilitation," "cardiac rehabilitation," "secondary prevention," "exercise training," "referral," and/or "consultation." Forty-five studies were identified and independently assessed by 2 reviewers using predetermined eligibility criteria., Results: Ten published observational studies (1999-2004) including 30,333 coronary artery disease patients were selected. Determinants of referral to CR were grouped as sociodemographic, health status, and health care system factors. Major predictors were English speaking (RR 9.56, 95% CI 2.18-41.93), prior myocardial infarction (RR 2.73, 95% CI 1.69-4.42), being admitted to hospitals providing CR (RR 5.35, 95% CI 4.04-7.10), and having insurance coverage (RR 2.94, 95% CI 1.13-7.66)., Conclusion: This review highlights disparities in referral to CR and reveals a treatment gap in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Precise estimates of the impact of all factors on referral are not possible, but some hierarchies and potential priorities for action are evident.

Background: There is growing evidence for the association between physical activity and systemic inflammatory markers in healthy individuals and populations with a low prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the association between fitness and CRP in patients with stable CAD treated with medications known to influence the inflammatory response, such as statins and aspirin, is not well known., Methods: We prospectively enrolled 209 patients with angiographically documented CAD (161 men; age 63 +/- 10 years; 1-/2-/3-vessel disease in 42%, 34%, and 24% of patients, respectively; left ventricular ejection fraction 60% +/- 13%). Fitness level was assessed by maximal exercise testing. CRP was measured in all patients using high-sensitivity immunoassay., Results: Fitness level was inversely correlated with natural log-transformed CRP level (r = -0.28, P < .001). After multivariate linear regression adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, waist circumference, smoking status, educational level, diabetes, hypertension, modality of exercise testing, exercise-induced ischemia, extent of CAD, medication use, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, renal function, glucose level, and cholesterol level, exercise capacity remained inversely correlated with CRP level (beta = -.226, P = .001). Other covariates associated with CRP remaining in the final model were leukocyte count (beta = .348), pack-years of smoking (beta = .185), diabetes status (beta = -.201), hemoglobin concentration (beta = -.187), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (beta = -.149)., Conclusions: These results indicate that exercise capacity is inversely correlated with CRP level in patients with known stable CAD irrespective of extent of CAD and standard medication for secondary prevention.

Background: Women are underrepresented in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Few reports describe outcomes and explore factors that may be barriers to CR participation among women. The purposes of this study were to (1) compare baseline characteristics between women who completed and did not complete CR, (2) identify factors associated with women completing CR, and (3) describe outcomes among completers., Methods: Study sample included women (n = 228) with coronary heart disease enrolled in CR at an academic medical center's program (January 1996-August 2003). Baseline differences between completers and noncompleters were compared; multivariate regression analyses identified factors associated with completers. Outcome measures included lipid levels, 6-minute walk distances, body mass index, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), self-reports of diet, physical activity, smoking, and perceived health status., Results: Mean age was 62 +/- 11 years, 44% were nonwhite, and 42% were stratified as high risk. Dyslipidemia was the most common risk factor (85%) followed by hypertension (81%), low physical activity (74%), obesity (53%), diabetes (39%), and smoking (18%). BDI-II scores were elevated (> or = 14) in 31% of women. In the adjusted multivariate regression model, completers were less likely to be obese (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.28, CI 0.10-0.76, P = .01) or have elevated BDI-II scores (AOR 0.87, CI 0.81-0.95 P = .001) than noncompleters. Completers achieved significant improvements in all outcome measures (all P < .05) except for high-density lipoprotein., Conclusion: Women enrolled in CR had a high risk factor burden and those completing achieved significant benefits. Women not completing CR were more likely to be obese or have depressive symptoms which may serve as barriers to completing CR.

Background: Secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation (CR) has been recommended for most patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Although generally reimbursed for 3 months, to date, optimal CR program duration and frequency of patient contact has yet to be identified. This study compared standard (33 sessions for 3 months) versus distributed (33 sessions for 12 months) CR for effects on exercise variables, risk factors, health-related quality of life (HRQL), depressive symptoms, and direct costs to the cardiac health care system., Methods: We randomly assigned 392 patients to either standard CR (n = 196) or distributed CR (n = 196). Outcomes were cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, coronary risk factors, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms, measured 12 and 24 months after program intake. Secondary outcomes included these variables measured after 3 months. Costs to the cardiac health care system were determined 2 years after program initiation., Results: Both groups showed improvements over time in cardiorespiratory fitness, daily physical activity, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, generic and heart disease HRQL, and depressive symptoms. Over time, blood pressure and body mass index values worsened. Smoking status, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels remained unchanged. There were no clinically meaningful or statistically significant between group differences for outcomes at 12 or 24 months. The costs of the programs to the cardiac health care system were not different., Conclusions: From a clinical standpoint, this study indicates that both standard and distributed program formats serve patients with CAD equally well over the longer term. Programs could use either program delivery model (standard or distributed) depending on patient or program needs. Costs to the cardiac health care system are similar.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MS) consists of a cluster of obesity-related risk factors that have been linked to the development and progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of MS, as defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol, in patients with CHD attending cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after a coronary event., Methods: We analyzed baseline data of 1912 individuals with established coronary artery disease entering CR in Burlington, Vt, and Boston, Mass., Results: Overall, 50% of patients entering CR have MS. A significantly greater percentage of women than men have MS (54% vs 48, respectively, P < .001). This is due to higher prevalence of abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, and hypertension (all, P < .05) in women. In women, the prevalence of MS peaked in the eighth decade vs the fifth decade in men., Conclusions: The prevalence of MS in patients with CHD participating in CR is greater than twice that of the general population. The prevalence of MS is higher and occurs at an older age in women than men. This study highlights the need for CR programs to develop specific interventions to assist patients with risk factor modification primarily by targeting physical inactivity and weight control.

Background: A cardiac rehabilitation and prevention program (CRPP) is a recognized nonpharmacological modality in the management of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the effect of a CRPP on systolic function of the heart is controversial, and no data exists on diastolic function in CHD. A randomized, controlled study was conducted to address these issues., Methods: Patients (n = 269) with recent acute myocardial infarction (n = 193) or after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) (n = 76) were randomized to either CRPP (2-hour twice-weekly exercise program for 8 weeks) or conventional therapy (control group). Serial treadmill exercise testing and at-rest echocardiography were performed during phases 1 (baseline), 2 (post-exercise training), and 3 (8-month follow up)., Results: The prevalence of left ventricular (LV) abnormal relaxation pattern (ARP) of diastolic dysfunction was increased in the control group only in phase 3 (65% vs 88%, chi2 = 7.6, P <.01). Significant improvement of individual LV diastolic parameters towards less severe delayed relaxation was also observed in the CRPP group, especially in those with recent acute myocardial infarction or ARP. The gain in exercise capacity was faster and more substantial in the CRPP than the control group (P <.001 for phase 2, P <.05 for phase 3), and was significantly correlated with LV diastolic indices in those with ARP. Exercise training had neutral effects on LV systolic function and rate-pressure product., Conclusions: In patients with CHD, CRPP prevented the progression of resting LV diastolic dysfunction, without affecting systolic function. In those with ARP, the improvement of diastolic function predicted the gain in exercise capacity.

Background: Current guidelines recommending cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after coronary revascularization are largely based on early studies that evaluated only a subset of the population and failed to assess the impact of CR on a patient's perception of their functional status. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of CR in a diverse contemporary population on patient functional outcomes., Methods: We studied the effect of CR on 6-month SF-36 Physical Functioning (PF) in 700 patients (mean age 67 +/- 11 years, 37% women) who underwent coronary bypass grafting or percutaneous intervention from August 1998 to July 2000., Results: Overall CR participation was 24%. At baseline, CR participants had higher PF (mean 62.5 vs 52.5, P <.001). After adjusting for baseline clinical variables and PF score, CR was associated with significant improvement in 6-month PF (+5.0, 95% CI 1.0-9.0). This improvement was observed in all patient subgroups, but tended to be greater in magnitude in men versus women, patients aged <70 years versus > or =70 years, and patients with coronary bypass grafting versus patients with percutaneous intervention. CR participants also tended to be more likely to engage in regular exercise (63% vs 55%, P =.06) and modify their diet (82% vs 73%, P =.07). Rates of rehospitalization and repeat revascularization were similar among CR participants and nonparticipants., Conclusions: CR after coronary revascularization is associated with improved functional outcomes and adoption of secondary preventive measures. Innovative strategies to facilitate CR enrollment and tailoring programs to better address the needs of all patient subgroups would extend these benefits to more eligible patients.

Background: In a randomized study, we recently documented that a vigorous, hospital-based exercise training (ET) program improves coronary endothelial function in coronary artery disease. The aim of this consecutive study was to assess whether a home-based exercise program with reduced average training duration can sustain previously achieved effects on coronary endothelial function., Methods: Nineteen patients with coronary endothelial dysfunction documented by acetylcholine-induced vasoconstriction were randomly assigned to a training group (n = 10) or a control group (n = 9). After 4 weeks of inhospital training (60 min of bicycle ergometry per day), all training patients were enrolled in a 5-month home-based program of 20 minutes' ergometry training per day and 1 group training session per week. At baseline, after 4 weeks and 6 months, endothelium-mediated vasodilation was assessed by quantitative coronary angiography after intracoronary infusions of acetylcholine. Average peak velocity (APV) was measured with a Doppler wire. Coronary blood flow (CBF) was calculated by multiplying vascular cross-sectional area and APV., Results: CBF increased in response to 7.2 microg/min acetylcholine, from 27% +/- 11% at the beginning of the study to 110% +/- 24% after 4 weeks (P <.01 vs control group). After 6 months, the increase in CBF was lower versus inhospital training (67% +/- 18%, P <.05 vs 4 weeks). Changes in APV between 1 and 6 months correlated with daily training durations (r = 0.65, P =.03)., Conclusions: Home-based ET sustained part of the effects of hospital-based ET on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in coronary artery disease. However, acetylcholine-induced increases in CBF were lower after home-based ET, suggesting a relation between daily training duration and improvement of coronary vasomotion.

Objectives: Our purpose was to examine the effect of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on blood rheology in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). Although increased blood and plasma viscosity have been associated with an increased risk of CHD, the effects of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on blood rheology in patients with CHD are uncertain., Methods: We assessed whole blood effective viscosity (mu), hematocrit standardized blood viscosity (mu45)), red blood cell transport efficiency (tau(rbc)), and plasma viscosity (PV) in 23 nonsmoking patients with CHD before and after a phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training program. In addition, we compared the group data with the data of a healthy reference group of 10 subjects., Results: Patients with CHD had significantly elevated mu (3.35 +/- 0.35 cp vs 3.06 +/- 0.19 cp, P <.05) and mu45 (3.51 +/- 0.29 cp vs 3.12 +/- 0.06 cp, P <.001) and reduced tau(rbc) (12.7% +/- 1.0% x cp(-1) vs 14.2% +/- 0.7% x cp(-1), P <.001) compared with healthy subjects. After rehabilitation, patients with CHD had reductions in PV (1.85 +/- 0.18 cp vs 1.77 +/- 0.11 cp, P <.01) and mu45 (3.58 +/- 0.22 cp vs 3.39 +/- 0.22 cp, P <.0001) and an increase in tau(rbc) (12.4% +/- 0.8% x cp(-1) vs 13.2% +/- 0.9% x cp(-1), P <.0001)., Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation improves blood rheology in patients with CHD by reducing mu45 and PV and elevating tau(rbc). These improvements may contribute to the increased functional capacity and reduced morbidity and mortality that is associated with participation in cardiac rehabilitation and exercise programs.

Background: Although patients >/=65 years old account for the majority of cardiac admissions and procedures in the United States, studies of cardiac rehabilitation have traditionally focused on younger patients. Only recently has the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in the elderly population begun to receive more attention., Methods: We present a comprehensive literature review of studies that have looked specifically at the effectiveness of cardiac rehabilitation in the elderly. We discuss the methodologic limitations of studies to date, compare outcomes among elderly rehabilitation patients with those of younger patients, and examine barriers to participation among the elderly., Results: The majority of studies published to date have been small observational case series. Despite these limitations, these studies generally show consistent improvements in exercise capacity, cardiac risk factors, and quality-of-life parameters in elderly cardiac rehabilitation patients. These benefits appear to be similar to those seen in younger patients. In spite of this, participation rates among the elderly are low, primarily because of less aggressive referral., Conclusions: Although further studies are necessary, the current literature shows that cardiac rehabilitation is associated with improved outcomes after a cardiac event, regardless of age. However, innovative recommendation and referral strategies are needed because few elderly patients actually enroll.

Background: Total physical activity energy expenditure is a determinant of weight loss and risk factor modification in adults. There has been very little study of physical activity energy expenditure in cardiac rehabilitation populations., Methods: Exercise-related energy expenditure was calculated in 112 patients with coronary artery disease in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program. Gross energy expenditure was estimated with the heart rate/oxygen consumption relation as measured during metabolic exercise testing with expired gas analysis., Results: The average exercise training energy expenditure (ETEE) per cardiac rehabilitation exercise session was quite low at 270 +/- 112 kcal. Baseline fitness level (peak oxygen consumption), body weight, total exercise duration per session, age, and body mass index were all significant determinants of ETEE (r = 0.56 to -0.37, all P <.01). Additionally, patients who had undergone coronary bypass surgery and patients with medical comorbidities expended significantly fewer calories during exercise. In women, there was a relation between ETEE and change in total and LDL cholesterol (r = -0.43 and -0.45, respectively), although no such relation was observed in men., Conclusion: Cardiac rehabilitation exercise training, as currently structured, burns surprisingly few calories and has little impact in the short term (3 months) on measures of obesity and lipid risk factors. Alternative training programs should be considered to maximize caloric expenditure and modify specific risk factors such as obesity and dyslipidemia.

Background: An increasing number of patients have an acute coronary syndrome while abroad. Such an event may entail significant emotional and financial stress, and patients are usually anxious to return home as soon as possible. The safety of long-distance air travel soon after an acute coronary syndrome is, however, uncertain, and few data exist regarding the evaluation of such patients, the proper timing and conditions of the flight, and short-term complications., Methods and Results: We prospectively evaluated 21 tourists who had an acute coronary syndrome in Jerusalem. Patients at high risk were offered angiography; others underwent stress testing. Telephone interviews were conducted a few weeks after the patients returned home, and follow-up information was obtained. Patients flew home 18.2 +/- 11 days (mean +/- SD) after the acute event. Flight duration was substantial (12.5 +/- 3 hours). No patient had cardiac symptoms en route. At follow-up (21.3 +/- 13 days), all but 2 patients were alive and free of cardiac symptoms., Conclusions: A long-distance flight within 2 to 3 weeks after an acute coronary syndrome is reasonably safe, provided significant ischemia is excluded or treated.

Objective: The goal of this study was to compare the effectiveness of home-based, transtelephonically monitored cardiac rehabilitation with standard, on-site, supervised cardiac rehabilitation., Background: Participation in cardiac rehabilitation has been demonstrated to increase exercise capacity, decrease cardiovascular symptoms, improve psychosocial status, and decrease total and cardiovascular mortality rates in patients with coronary heart disease. Because of multiple factors, national overall participation is only at 15% of eligible patients., Methods: Effects of a 3-month home-based, transtelephonically monitored rehabilitation program (n = 83 patients) with simultaneous voice and electrocardiographic transmission to a centrally located nurse coordinator were compared with effects of a standard on-site rehabilitation program (n = 50 patients). The study design was a multicenter, controlled trial. Primary outcome variables were peak aerobic capacity and quality of life, as measured by the Health Status Questionnaire., Results: Patients in the home-based monitoring program increased peak aerobic capacity to a similar degree as patients who exercised on site (18% vs 23%). Quality of life domains of physical functioning, social functioning, physical role limitations, emotional role limitations, bodily pain, and energy/fatigue improved similarly in both groups. There were no circulatory arrests or other major exercise-related medical events in either group. A total of 3100 hours of home exercise were transtelephonically monitored., Conclusions: Patients with coronary heart disease can effectively participate in home-based, monitored cardiac rehabilitation, with exercise and quality of life improvements comparable to those demonstrated at on-site programs.

Psychosocial factors, particularly depression and lack of social support, are important predictors of morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary heart disease. This article describes the design and methods of the Enhancing Recovery in Coronary Heart Disease Patients (ENRICHD) study, a multicenter, randomized clinical trial involving 3000 patients enrolled after acute myocardial infarction. ENRICHD aims to investigate the effects of a psychosocial intervention that targets depression and/or low social support on survival and reinfarction among adult men and women who are at high risk for recurrent cardiac events because of psychosocial factors (depressive or social isolation). Design features include the use of an individually tailored yet standardized intervention, rigorous clinical trial methods, and enrollment of a large number of women and minorities.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether combined treatment with a cardiovascular exercise rehabilitation program and low doses of heparin can induce changes in ergometric parameters of ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Heparin may potentiate the development of new vessels promoted by ischemia and therefore may produce important clinical improvement. Thirty-six patients with stable CAD and evidence of myocardial ischemia on exercise testing were randomized into three groups: a control group (n = 11) received the usual medical treatment; another group (n = 11) underwent three exercise sessions per week during 12 weeks; and a third group (n = 14) undertook this exercise program and also received calcium heparin 12,500 IU subcutaneously 20 to 30 minutes before each exercise session. Pretreatment and posttreatment exercise tests were compared. Patients who underwent the rehabilitation program had an increase in exercise duration and workload at the onset of 1 mm ST-segment depression, but only patients who received calcium heparin showed a significant increase in rate-pressure product at the ST-segment ischemic threshold (p = 0.035). This result suggests that higher levels of myocardial oxygen consumption were now tolerated, a change that may be related to an improvement in myocardial perfusion.

To evaluate the effect of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training on depression after major cardiac events, we studied 338 consecutive patients in whom a major cardiac event had occurred 4 to 6 weeks previously and who were participating in phase II cardiac rehabilitation consisting of 36 sessions over a 3-month period. Depressive symptoms and other behavioral characteristics and quality-of-life parameters were analyzed by validated questionnaire. Depression was prevalent in patients with coronary heart disease, occurring in 20% of the patients evaluated. At baseline, depressed patients had lower exercise capacity, reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, and higher triglyceride levels; had lower scores for mental health, energy or fatigue, general health, pain, overall function, well-being, and total quality of life; and had greater scores for somatization, anxiety, and hostility than those of nondepressed patients. After cardiac rehabilitation, depressed patients had marked improvements in depression scores and other behavioral parameters (anxiety, somatization, and hostility) and quality of life. Depressed patients also showed improved exercise capacity, percentage of body fat, and levels of triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Depressed patients exhibited statistically greater improvements in certain behavioral and quality-of-life parameters than did nondepressed patients. Two thirds of the patients who were initially depressed resolved their symptoms by study completion. In conclusion, depression is reduced in patients with symptomatic coronary heart disease patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation. Greater emphasis is needed to ensure that depressed patients are referred to and attend formal cardiac rehabilitation programs after major cardiac events.

Despite the well-proven benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training, no data are available on the benefits of this therapy in patients with preserved baseline exercise capacity. Therefore we assessed data before and after phase II cardiac rehabilitation and exercise programs at two large teaching institutions to determine the benefits in 163 patients with high baseline exercise capacity (> or = 6 estimated [mean 8.8 +/- 2.4] metabolic equivalents [METs]) compared with 125 patients with low baseline functional capacity (< 6 estimated [mean 4.6 +/- 0.8] METs). After cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training, patients with high baseline exercise capacity had significant improvements in triglyceride (-10%; p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+7%; p < 0.001), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (-4%; p = 0.09) levels; low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio (-10%; p < 0.01); body mass index (-1.5%; (p < 0.001); percent body fat (-6%; p < 0.0001); and exercise capacity (+22%; p < 0.0001). Patients with high baseline exercise capacity had less relative improvement in exercise capacity (p < 0.0001) after cardiac rehabilitation but had greater relative improvement in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein/high-density lipoprotein ratio (p < 0.05) than did patients with low baseline exercise capacity. These data demonstrate the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and exercise training in patients with preserved exercise capacity and support routine referral of these patients to these programs after major cardiac events.

Over an 11-year period, the initial and late outcomes of percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) were studied in 140 consecutive patients younger than 40 years of age (mean, 34 +/- 3 years; range, 23 to 39 years; 132 men). Before the procedure, 28% of the patients had unstable angina, and 44% had a history of prior myocardial infarction. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 64% +/- 10%, and 75% of the patients had one-vessel disease. Primary success was 86% (77% for the first 70 patients vs 93% for the last 70, p < 0.02). Complications were nine periprocedural myocardial infarctions, eight emergency coronary surgical procedures, and no deaths. During follow-up (mean, 6 +/- 3 years; range, 1 to 12 years), 39 (28%) of the 104 patients who had repeat coronary angiography had angiographic restenosis (all < 6 months after PTCA). Late events were 13 elective coronary surgical procedures (11 for restenosis, one for failed PTCA, and one for progression of coronary artery disease), 13 PTCAs on a new site, five deaths, and four nonfatal myocardial infarctions. Ten-year survival was 96% +/- 1%, and 10-year event-free survival (without myocardial infarction, elective coronary surgery, or repeat PTCA) was 58% +/- 6%. Among survivors, 88% were free of angina, and 93% had returned to work. In patients younger than 40 years of age, PTCA yields excellent long-term survival, provided that the eventuality of repeat procedures during the first months is accepted. In addition, PTCA for progression on a new site is not unusual after several years.

The effect of participation in cardiac rehabilitation on medical costs was determined by measuring hospitalization charges for cardiac admissions over a 3-year period in 580 post-coronary event patients (58% after coronary bypass surgery, 42% after myocardial infarction), of whom 230 entered a cardiac rehabilitation program and 350 did not. Baseline left ventricular ejection fraction was similar in entrants and nonentrants (59.9% vs 59.5%). Over the 1 to 46-month follow-up period (mean 21 months), per capita hospitalization charges for participants in cardiac rehabilitation were $739 lower than charges for nonparticipants ($1197 +/- 3911 vs $1936 +/- 5459, p = 0.022). This was due to both a lower incidence of hospitalizations and lower charges per hospitalization. Inasmuch as groups differed with regard to age, sex, diagnostic category, and smoking status, data were adjusted for these baseline differences by means of analysis of covariance. Rehospitalization charges remained significantly higher in nonparticipants (p = 0.015). Because physician charges were not measured, the cost differential between groups is underestimated. Results of this study show an association between participation in comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation and lowered cardiac rehospitalization costs in the years after an acute coronary event.

Beta-blocking agents are widely used in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. Their negative chronotropic and inotropic actions may alter the effects of physical training in cardiac rehabilitation programs. Therefore, resting and exercise cardiac output, stroke volume, heart rate, and arteriovenous oxygen content difference were measured before and after training in 15 male patients with coronary artery disease, who were treated with beta blockers, and in a control group of 14 patients not treated with beta-blocking agents. At the end of a 3-month training period, oxygen uptake at peak exercise increased similarly in the two groups, 37% and 34%, respectively; this was related to increases in stroke volume and heart rate, and therefore cardiac output, and to increases in arteriovenous oxygen content difference. The effects were similar whether or not the patients were treated with beta blockers. Also, at rest and submaximal exercise, beta blockade did not affect the training-induced changes of cardiac output, heart rate, and arteriovenous oxygen content difference. In both groups heart rate decreased with training while stroke volume and cardiac output increased significantly. In conclusion, beta blockade did not significantly alter the hemodynamic effects of training.

Exercise performance is determined by the interaction of many systems. Cardiac disease, non-cardiovascular pathology, physical training, and the hemodynamic response to the type of exercise the patient wants to perform should all be considered when developing an exercise prescription. There are two stages for deriving a complete exercise prescription, determination of optimal exercise intensity from an exercise test and adoption of the recommendation to include other forms of exercise. The recommendation is usually based on a target oxygen consumption or a target heart rate derived from a treadmill test, but both of these methods may be of limited effectiveness. Ventilatory measurements during exercise, which reflect metabolic changes, are a useful adjunct. The exercise prescription must be individualized to the patient's needs, and may have to be modified so that exercise intensity remains within acceptable limits.

The effect of exercise training on myocardial perfusion was assessed using initial and 1-year thallium-201 (Tl-201) exercise studies in 56 patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects had been randomized into a trained group participating in supervised exercise three times per week and a control group. Indices (non-dimensional units) based on computer-analyzed circumferential count profile from nine regions of the heart, assessed in three projections, were used to eliminate observer bias and more accurately quantitate Tl-201 distribution and 4-hour washout. There was serial improvement of the global distribution count profiles in 21 of 27 (77.8%) of the trained and in 9 of 29 (31.0%) of the control subjects (p less than 0.001). The mean interval change in global initial distribution over the year period was 5 +/- 13 (mean +/- SD) in the trained and -6 +/- 14 in the control groups (p less than 0.003). The mean initial distribution of the trained group had improvement in all nine regions (significant in three), while the control group showed mean improvement in only one of nine regions. Additionally, the trained group showed improvement in the mean washout in five of nine regions (significant in three), while no mean regional washout improvement occurred in the control group. Thus, in this group of patients with stable CAD, exercise training resulted in apparently improved cardiac perfusion evidenced by enhance Tl-201 uptake and washout.