Cardiac Rehabilitation: Optimisation of the Functional Capacity of Patients Hospitalized With Cardiac Disease

Cardiac Rehabilitation: Optimisation of the Functional Capacity of Patients Hospitalized With Cardiac Disease

The World Health Organization [WHO] (2021) states that Cardiovascular Diseases [CVD] are the leading cause of death in the world, and in 2019 around 17.9 million deaths were caused by CVD and the national picture is no different. In Portugal, demographic ageing continues to be established by the increase in average life expectancy, which in turn leads to an increase in the percentage of the population with CVDs. Of particular note is Ischemic Heart Disease [IHD], which is the second leading cause of death in Portugal In order to prevent and combat the progression of CVD and its complications, Cardiac Rehabilitation [CR] programs have emerged as a secondary prevention method supported by relevant scientific evidence. In this sense, the Portuguese Society of Cardiology recognizes the role of the Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist as a crucial element of CR teams.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the phase I cardiac rehabilitation program in patients hospitalized with ischemic heart disease, in terms of functional capacity.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with Myocardial Ischemia
• Patients who agree to take part in the rehabilitation exercise program
• Patients with the cognitive capacity to understand the instructions given, the exercises to be carried out and the teaching provided
• Patients with clinical and hemodynamic stability
• Patients participating in the rehabilitation exercise program for at least 2 sessions.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who do not meet the safety criteria for exercising after a cardiac event
• Patients with osteoarticular pathology that compromises their ability to exercise.