scholarly journals Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation in Covid Era: Is it a safe option?

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Couto Pereira ◽  
I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽  
R Pinto ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Home-based Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR-HB) models have been shown to be effective, however, there is a large variation of protocols and minimal evidence of effectiveness in higher risk populations, in which exercise at distance might be concerning. In addition, lack of reimbursement models has discouraged the widespread adoption of CR-HB. During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an even greater gap in CR care has emerged due to the decreased availability of on-site services. Purpose Evaluation of the safety of a CR-HB program during COVID-19 pandemic.  Methods Prospective cohort study which included patients (pts) who were participating in a centre-based CR program and accepted to participate in a CR-HB after the centre-based CR program closure due to COVID-19. The CR-HB consisted in a multidisciplinary digital CR program, including: 1.pts regular clinical and exercise risk assessment; 2.psychological tele-appointments and group sessions; 3. online exercise training sessions, which consisted of recorded videos and real time online exercise training sessions (each session recommended 3 times per week, during 60 minutes); 4.structured online educational program for pts and family members/caregivers, including educational videos and webinars; 5. follow-up fortnightly questionnaire to evaluate risk factors control and need for appointments or directing to hospital; 6. nutrition tele-appointments; 7. physician tele-appointments, scheduled according to follow-up questionnaire or at patients request (e-mail or telephone) to avoid unnecessary exposure and overload in the hospital. Minor and major adverse events such as hospitalizations due to cardiac event or other non CV reason, cardiac or noncardiac death, during or immediately after the exercise sessions, were collected. Results 116 cardiovascular disease (CVD) pts (62.6 ± 8.9 years, 95 males) who were attending a Centre-based CR program were included in a CR-HB program. Almost 90% (n = 103) of the participants had coronary artery disease; 13.8% pts had heart failure. The mean LVEF was 52 ± 11%; 31,1% of the population had at least moderate risk. Regarding risk factors, obesity was the most common risk factor (74.7%) followed by hypertension (59.6%), family history (41.8%), dyslipidaemia (37.9%), diabetes (18.1%), and smoking (12.9%).  98 CVD pts (85.5%) successfully completed all the online assessments. Three male participants dropped out for hospitalization due to knee surgery, pacemaker implantation and in-stent restenosis without relation to exercise sessions. No major events were registered during the exercise training sessions and only one minor adverse event, sprained ankle, was reported during the training sessions. Conclusions This CR-HB program, originated by the need of social distancing during  COVID-19 pandemic, revealed to be a valuable and safe strategy to reach at distance most patients previously in a Centre-based CR program.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
I Burazor ◽  
DS Spiroski ◽  
J Terzic ◽  
P Otasevic ◽  
R Babic ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a class I treatment for cardiovascular disease, still, underutilization of these services remains. During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, an even greater gap in CR care has been present. Purpose and methods We aimed to present the cardiac rehabilitation during COVID 19 times in Belgrade. At the beginning of epidemic in Serbia the number of patients in in-house city program was 70 out of 70 beds, with 200 patients who were scheduled (on the waiting list). Similarly to the other countries, we continued to admit only urgent patients with acute coronary settings. Results Only one PPCI center in Belgrade (2 million inhabitants plus surrounding area; out of five centers) continue to admit COVID-negative patients with STEMI from 13of March to 11 of May, during the first pick of COVID-19 epidemic in Serbia. Out -patients cardiac rehabilitation programs were stopped. The totals of 80 patients (PCR negative) were transferred to exercised based cardiac rehabilitation secondary prevention program during the first pick of epidemic directly from acute hospital. The majority of patients were males in their 50s. All risk factors were noted and patients were with much less risk factors compared to non- epidemic era. Lipid profile was measured. Six minutes walking test was performed at the beginning and exercise plan was made. Unfortunately, exercise based three weeks in- house cardiac rehabilitation was completed in only 1% of patients while others quite the program. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic presents a time to highlight the value of home-based models as we search for ways to continue to provide care. Standardization of home based CR models is essential to provide care for a wider range of patients and circumstances in the near future.



EP Europace ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (Supplement_3) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Xu ◽  
Q Chen ◽  
T Zou ◽  
K Cheng ◽  
Y Ling ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Background Ablation of para-hisian accessory pathways (APs) remains challenging due to anatomic characteristics and few studies have focused on the causes for recurrence of radiofrequency ablation of para-hisian APs. Objective This retrospective single center study was aimed to explore the risk factors for recurrence of para-hisian APs. Methods 113 patients who had a para-hisian AP with an acute success were enrolled in the study. In the 11-year follow-up, 15 cases had a recurrent para-hisian AP. Therefore 98 patients were classified into success group while 15 patients were classified into recurrence group. Demographic and ablation characteristics were analyzed. Results Gender difference was similar in two groups. The median age was 36.2 years old and was younger in recurrence group. Maximum ablation power was significantly higher in success group (29 ± 7.5 vs 22.9 ± 7.8, p < 0.01). Ablation time of final target sites was found to be markedly higher in success group (123.4 ± 53.1 vs 86.7 ± 58.3, p < 0.05). Ablation time less than 60 seconds was detected in 12 (12.2%) cases in success group and 7 (46.7%) cases in recurrence group (p < 0.01). Occurrence of junctional rhythm was significantly higher in recurrence group (25.5% vs 53.3%, p < 0.05). No severe conduction block, no pacemaker implantation and no stroke were reported. Junctional rhythm during ablation (OR = 3.833, 95%CI 1.083-13.572, p = 0.037) and ablation time <60s (OR = 5.487, 95%CI 1.411-21.340, p = 0.014) were independent risk factors for the recurrence of para-hisian AP. Conclusions Considering the long-term safety of ablation of para-hisian AP, proper extension of ablation time and increase of ablation power could be applied during operation.



2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
T Rodrigues ◽  
B Valente-Silva ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs are established interventions to improve cardiovascular health, despite asymmetries in referral. With covid 19 outbreak, cardiac rehabilitation home based (CR-HB) programs emerged as an alternative. However, its adherence and implementation may vary greatly with socio-demographic factors. Purpose To assess adherence to the various components of a CR-HB program.  Methods Prospective cohort study which included patients (pts) who were participating in a centre-based CR program and accepted to participate in a CR-HB after the centre-based CR program closure due to COVID-19. The CR-HB consisted in a multidisciplinary digital CR program, including: 1.patient clinical and exercise risk assessment; 2.psychological tele-appointments; 3. online exercise training sessions; 4.structured online educational program for patients and family members/caregivers;  5. follow-up questionnaires; 6. nutrition tele-appointments; 7. physician tele-appointments Adherence to the program was assessed by drop-out rate; number of exercise sessions in which each patient participated; number of educational sessions attended and a validated questionnaire on therapeutic adherence (composed of 7 questions with minimum punctuation of 7 and maximum of 40 points). Results 116 cardiovascular disease (CVD) pts (62.6 ± 8.9 years, 95 males) who were attending a Centre-based CR program were included in a CR-HB program. Almost 90% (n = 103) of the participants had coronary artery disease; 13.8% pts had heart failure; the mean LVEF was 52 ± 11%. Regarding risk factors, obesity was the most common risk factor (74.7 %) followed by hypertension (59.6%), family history (41.8%), dyslipidaemia (37.9%), diabetes (18.1%), and smoking (12.9%).  Ninety-eight pts (85.5%) successfully completed the program. Almost half (46.9%) of the participants did at least one online exercise training session per week. Among the pts who did online exercise training sessions, 58% did 2-3 times per week, 27% once per week and 15% more than 4 times per week.  The pts participated, on average, in 1.45 ± 2.6 education sessions (rate of participation of 13,2%) and therapeutic adherence was high (39,7 ± 19; min 35-40).  Regarding educational status of the pts, 33 pts (45,2%) had a bachelor degree. These pts tended to participate more in exercise sessions (1,7 ± 1,7 vs 1,2 ± 1,4 sessions per week) and in education sessions (2.13 vs 1.6), although this difference was not statistically significant. The therapeutic adherence did not vary with patients’ level of education.  Conclusion Our results showed that a high percentage of patients completed the program and almost half were weekly physically active. However, in regard to educational sessions, the degree of participation was much lower. Educational status seemed to correlate with a higher degree of participation and, in the future, patient selection might offer better results in these kinds of programs.



2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Brito ◽  
I Aguiar-Ricardo ◽  
P Alves Da Silva ◽  
B Valente Da Silva ◽  
N Cunha ◽  
...  

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Despite the established benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), it remains significantly underutilized. Home-based CR (CR-HB) programs should offer the same core CR components as Centre-based programs (CR-CB) but several aspects need to be adapted, communication and supervision must be improved. Although CR-HB has been successfully deployed and is a valuable alternative to CR-CB, there is less structured experience with these non-uniform programs and further studies are needed to understand which patients (pts) are indicated to this type of program. Purpose To investigate pt-perceived facilitators and barriers to home-based rehabilitation exercise. Methods Prospective cohort study which included pts who were participating in a CR-CB program and accepted to participate in a CR-HB program after CR-CB closure due to COVID-19. The CR-HB consisted in a multidisciplinary digital CR program, including pt risk evaluation and regular assessment, exercise, educational and psychological sessions. The online exercise training sessions consisted of recorded videos and real time online supervised exercise training group sessions. It was recommended to do each session 3 times per week, during 60 min. A pictorial exercise training guidebook was available to all participants including instructions regarding safety, clothing and warm-up, and a detailed illustrated description of each  exercise sessions. Also, for questions or difficulties regarding the exercises, an e-mail and telephone was provided. Once a month, real time CR exercise sessions was provided with a duration of 60min. Results 116 cardiovascular disease pts (62.6 ± 8.9years, 95 males) who were attending a face-to-face CR program were included in a CR-HB program. The majority of the pts had coronary artery disease (89%) and 5% valvular disease. Regarding risk factors, obesity was the most common (75%) followed by hypertension (60%), family history (42%), dyslipidaemia (38%), diabetes (18%), and smoking (13%). Almost half (47%) of the participants did at least one online exercise training session per week: 58% did 2-3 times per week, 27% once per week and 15% more than 4 times per week. Participants who did less than one exercise session per week reported as cause: lack of motivation (38%), preference of a different mode of exercise training such as exercise in the exterior space (26%), technology barrier such as impossibility to stream online videos (11%), fear of performing exercise without supervision (4%), and limited space at home (4%). Conclusions Our study based on real-life results of a CR-HB program shows a sub-optimal rate of participation in exercise sessions due to different causes, but mainly for the lack of motivation to exercise alone or preference for walking in exterior space. The knowledge of the CR-HB program barriers will facilitate to find out strategies to increase the participation rate and to select the best candidates for this type of programs.



2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 492-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abraham Borer ◽  
Jacob Gilad ◽  
Eytan Hyam ◽  
Francisc Schlaeffer ◽  
Pnina Schlaeffer ◽  
...  

AbstractObjective:To implement a comprehensive infection control (IC) program for prevention of cardiac device-associated infections (CDIs).Design:Prospective before-after trial with 2 years of follow-up.Setting:A tertiary-care, university-affiliated medical center.Patients:A consecutive sample of all adults undergoing cardiac device implantation between 1997 and 2002.Intervention:An IC program was implemented during late 2001 and included staff education, preoperative modification of patient risk factors, intraoperative control of strict aseptic technique, surgical scrubbing and attire, control of environmental risk factors, optimization of antibiotic prophylaxis, postoperative wound care, and active surveillance. The clinical endpoint was CDI rates.Results:Between 1997 and 2000, there were 7 CDIs among 725 procedures (mean annual CDI incidence, 1%). During the first 9 months of 2001, there were 7 CDIs among 167 procedures (4.2%; P = .007): CDIs increased from 7 among 576 to 3 among 124 following pacemaker implantation (P = .39) and from 0 among 149 to 4 among 43 following cardioverter-defibrillator implantation (P = .002). Of the 14 CDIs, 5 involved superficial wounds, 7 involved deep wounds, and 2 involved endocarditis. Following intervention, there were no cases of CDI among 316 procedures during 24 months of follow-up (4.2% reduction; P = .0005).Conclusions:We observed a high CDI rate associated with substantial morbidity. IC measures had an impact on CDI. Although the relative weight of each measure in the prevention of CDI remains unknown, our results suggest that implementation of a comprehensive IC program is feasible and efficacious in this setting.



2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (687) ◽  
pp. e706-e714 ◽  
Author(s):  
Neil Heron ◽  
Frank Kee ◽  
Jonathan Mant ◽  
Margaret E Cupples ◽  
Michael Donnelly

BackgroundAlthough the importance of secondary prevention after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or minor stroke is recognised, research is sparse regarding novel, effective ways in which to intervene in a primary care context.AimTo pilot a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of a novel home-based prevention programme (The Healthy Brain Rehabilitation Manual) for patients with TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.Design and settingPilot RCT, home-based, undertaken in Northern Ireland between May 2017 and March 2018.MethodPatients within 4 weeks of a first TIA or ‘minor’ stroke received study information from clinicians in four hospitals. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: standard care (control group) (n = 12); standard care with manual and GP follow-up (n = 14); or standard care with manual and stroke nurse follow-up (n = 14). Patients in all groups received telephone follow-up at 1, 4, and 9 weeks. Eligibility, recruitment, and retention were assessed; stroke/cardiovascular risk factors measured at baseline and 12 weeks; and participants’ views were elicited about the study via focus groups.ResultsOver a 32-week period, 28.2% of clinic attendees (125/443) were eligible; 35.2% of whom (44/125) consented to research contact; 90.9% of these patients (40/44) participated, of whom 97.5% (39/40) completed the study. After 12 weeks, stroke risk factors [cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure and measures of physical activity] improved in both intervention groups. The research methods and the programme were acceptable to patients and health professionals, who commented that the programme ‘filled a gap’ in current post-TIA management.ConclusionFindings indicate that implementation of this novel cardiac rehabilitation programme, and of a trial to evaluate its effectiveness, is feasible, with potential for clinically important benefits and improved secondary prevention after TIA or ‘minor’ stroke.



2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 1230-1235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Pereira Borges ◽  
Mauro Felippe Felix Mediano ◽  
Paulo Farinatti ◽  
Marina Pereira Coelho ◽  
Pablo Marino Correa Nascimento ◽  
...  

Background:It remains unclear whether self-regulated exercise is sufficient to maintain the benefits acquired during formal cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This retrospective observational study investigated the effects of a home-based exercise intervention after discharge from CR upon anthropometric and aerobic capacity markers in clinically stable patients.Methods:Fifty patients with cardiovascular disease were discharged after 6 months of CR and encouraged to maintain aerobic exercise without supervision. Subsequent to 6 months of follow-up, patients were assigned to compliant (n = 34) or noncompliant (n = 16) groups according to their compliance to the home-based program. Maximal aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and anthropometric data were assessed before CR, at discharge, and after 6 months of follow-up.Results:No statistical differences between compliant and noncompliant groups were observed at baseline and at discharge from CR. At the end of the follow-up, statistical differences across groups were not found for body mass or body mass index, but increases in VO2peak (+3.6 vs. –0.6 ml/kg·min, P = 0.004) and oxygen pulse (+1.5 vs. +0.2 ml/bpm, P = .03) were greater in compliant than noncompliant group.Conclusions:Self-regulated exercising following CR discharge seems to be effective to maintain gains in exercise capacity acquired during supervised center-based programs.



2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
G Loughlin ◽  
M Pachon ◽  
J.L Martinez-Sande ◽  
J.L Ibanez ◽  
T Bastante ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Device-related infections constitute a major complication of transvenous pacemaker implantation. Mechanical heart valves (MHV) increase the risk of infective endocarditis (IE) and pacemaker infection, worsening their outcomes.Leadless pacemakers (LP) have been associated with low infection rates and thus pose an attractive option in MHV patients requiring permanent pacing. Methods and results This is a multicenter, observational, retrospective study including all consecutive patients implanted with an LP at 5 tertiary referral centers between June 2015 and January 2020.Procedural outcomes, complications, performance during follow-up and episodes of bacteremia and IE were recorded and compared between patients with and without a MHV (MHV and non-MHV groups).Four hundred fifty-nine patients were included (74 in the MHV group, 16.1%, and 385 in the non-MHV group, 83.9%).Implantation success, procedural outcomes and acute electrical performance were comparable between groups.Vascular complications and cardiac perforation occurred in 2.7 vs. 2.3% (p=1) and 0% vs. 0.8% (p=1) in the MHV group and non-MHV group, respectively.During a median post-implant follow-up of 308 days for the MHV group and 416 days for non-MHV patients (p=0.029), one case of IE was reported in the MHV group and 2 in the non-MHV group. All three occurred in patients with abandoned transvenous leads. Conclusion LP implantation is feasible and safe in patients with MHV, with procedural outcomes and electrical performance comparable to the general LP population. Device-related infections, including IE, are rare in patients receiving an LP, including those with an MHV. LP implantation should be considered in MHV patients with an indication for pacing. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None. Procedural outcomes and complicationsBaseline and follow-up parameters



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