[The best of cardiac rehabilitation in 2006]

Abstract

The meta-analysis showing the benefits of physical training revisited: Taylor examined only the cardiac rehabilitation trials of exercise intervention alone (versus usual care) and demonstrated that cardiac mortality is 28 % reduced and exercise appears to have an independent mortality benefit. An economic evaluation of cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review of 15 economic evaluations. Evidence to support the cost-effectiveness of supervised cardiac rehabilitation compared with usual care in myocardial infarction and heart failure was identified. But further well-designed trials are required. Pronostic value of some variables determined by exercise testing entering cardiac rehabilitation and after physical training. A beneficial effect of physical training versus usual care on BNP and neurohormones in patients with chronic heart disease. Patients on beta blockers after myocardial infarction: determination of a more accurate training heart frequency derived from the classical Karvonen's formula. The combination of trimetazidine with exercise training provides greater improvements in functional capacity, left ventricular function and the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the brachial artery than exercise training alone in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy referred for cardiac rehabilitation. Guidelines for resistance exercise after cardiac event: a new paradigm less restrictive, safe and efficient to accelerate patients' return to daily activities. Recommendations for participation in leisure-time physical activity and competitive sports for patients with ischaemic heart disease: the result of consensus among experts from the ESC study group of sports cardiology.