Effectiveness of outpatient rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in different age groups of male patients

Aim of the study: Only few elderly patients participate in outpatient cardiac rehabilitation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of outpatient rehabilitation after myocardial infarction in groups of younger and older male patients.

Material and methods: 34 men discharged after myocardial infarction were included in the study. They were divided into two age groups: 65 years and younger (n = 17) and older than 65 years (n = 17) with the age of 65 being the statutory age of professional activity end. Patients were examined before and after the program of outpatient cardiac rehabilitation (the program of cardiovascular training included 24 training sessions within 3 months): the following tests were performed: echocardiography for ejection fraction measurement and a treadmill test for evaluation of effort tolerance (in METs) and the level of perceived exertion of effort using the Borg scale, and the body mass index was assessed.

Results: An improvement in physical efficiency (p < 0.05) and an increase in ejection fraction (p < 0.05) in the elderly patients were observed, whereas in the younger group of men only the physical efficiency was increased (p < 0.05). There was no significant change in the perceived exertion of effort and BMI in both groups.

Conclusions: The applied outpatient rehabilitation program after myocardial infarction has improved the cardiac function and physical efficiency in both groups of patients and should be used in the treatment and prevention particularly in elderly men.