Quality of Life after Cardiac Rehabilitation for Patients with Heart Failure: 18 months follow-up

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a supervised cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on long-term quality of life (QoL) of patients with heart failure (HF).Methods: A sample of 21 HF patients, previously sedentary, NYHA II, was randomly divided into two groups: the CR group (N = 13) and the control group (CG = 8). The CR consisted of sessions of 120 minutes/day, 3 times/week,for 60 days. CR group performed their activities under supervision at a rehabilitation clinic, and CG received standard care and was instructed to exercise at home. All patients underwent a maximal symptom-limited test at the beginning and after 30 and 60 days of CR. QoL was monitored after 60-days, 6, 12 and 18 months of CR. Results:Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, followed by Tukey’s test for statistical analysis showed significantimprovement in peak VO2 at 30 and 60-days of CR (p<0.05). QoL improved after 60-days of CR and remained improved throughout the 18following months in the supervised CR group. The use of hospital emergency services became less frequent (p=0.023) and there was a trend for better survival after 18 months of follow-up (p=0.092).Conclusion: CR was effective upon cardiopulmonary and QoL aspects.