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Functional evaluation of a physical training programme in myocardial infarction patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Abstract:

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and effects on the functional capacity of a supervised physical training programme carried out on patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction after an acute myocardial infarction. Methods: The study included a total of 37 patients, males and females of any age, with a diagnosis of severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction after having suffered an acute myocardial infarction. They were consecutively included into the ambulatory programme of the Institute of Cardiology Rehabilitation Centre. Maximum effort tests, limited by symptoms, were performed to determine oxygen consumption. Echocardiograms were also performed at rest, with isotopic ventriculography at rest and then at 2, 8, and 18 months. The mean clinical follow-up was 4.1 years. They were all prescribed to a moderate or intense training programme for at least one year. Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was considered when the left ventricular ejection fraction was less than 35%. Results: All the ergometric parameters that expressed functional capacity increased significantly in the evaluation at 8 months (P<.0005), and remained at 18 months. The initial mean left ventricular ejection fraction at rest was 28.3 ± 5.3%, which showed no significant changes with effort or in the other evaluation times. The overall mortality and morbidity of the series was 10.5% and 47.3%, respectively. Conclusion: Supervised physical training in patients after an acute myocardial infarction and with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction was safe and effective, and improved the quality of life, without causing negative effects on ventricular function.