Long-term effects of a comprehensive rehabilitation programme after myocardial infarction

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the long-term effects on myocardial infarction (MI) patients of a six-month comprehensive rehabilitation programme (CRP) conducted by an interdisciplinary team regarding cardiac events, physical and psychological conditions, life habits, and cardiac health knowledge. The results of a multivariate analysis carried out five years after the MI showed that cardiac events and psychological condition were not significantly influenced by the CRP. However, it was found that the physical condition of the patients benefited from the CRP; self-reported physical fitness (p < 0.002) and physical exercise test (p < 0.007). CRP participation was linked to significant modifications of life habits (diet change; p < 0.04, sexual activity; p < 0.000). The cardiac health knowledge was significantly improved by participation in the CRP (basic cardiac knowledge; p < 0.005; knowledge about misconceptions; p < 0.04). In conclusion, CRPs have had positive long-term effects on physical condition, life habits and cardiac health knowledge. No such effects, however, were found regarding either cardiac events or psychological condition.