ABSTRACT
Background: Cardiac surgery is a significant intervention for patients with cardiovascular diseases, but the recovery process can be challenging. Cardiac rehabilitation has emerged as a crucial component in the management of postoperative patients, aiming to optimize their recovery and enhance long-term outcomes. This abstract explores the role of cardiac rehabilitation in improving postoperative recovery and long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery.
Methods: The primary objective of cardiac rehabilitation is to promote physical, psychological, and social well-being. Through a multidisciplinary approach involving exercise training, education, counseling, and risk factor modification, cardiac rehabilitation programs address various aspects of patient recovery. Physical exercise plays a pivotal role in improving cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and overall functional capacity. Furthermore, education and counseling empower patients to adopt healthy lifestyle modifications and adhere to prescribed medications, reducing the risk of future cardiac events.
Results: Following cardiac surgery, a comparison between the intervention and control groups revealed notable differences in various aspects. Out of 97 patients in the intervention group, 11 individuals (12.3%) experienced postoperative pulmonary complications, whereas in the control group of 100 patients, 26 individuals (28.4%) faced similar complications. The risk ratio stood at 0.24, indicating a significantly lower risk in the intervention group. The study also demonstrated significant improvements in the intervention group’s inspiratory muscle strength (an increase of 11.47 cm H2O, P < 0.0001), forced expiratory volume in the first second of expiration (FEV1) %predicted (a rise of 4.76%, P = 0.031), forced vital capacity (FVC) %predicted (an increase of 5.16%, P = 0.007), and maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) %predicted (an increase of 7.45%, P = 0.035) when compared to the control group. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited a shorter hospital stay with an average of 8.52 (3.84) days compared to the control group’s average of 10.37 (3.11) days (P = 0.038).
Studies have consistently shown that participation in cardiac rehabilitation programs significantly improves postoperative recovery by enhancing physical and psychological well-being, reducing hospital readmissions, and improving quality of life. Long-term outcomes, such as mortality rates and cardiac event recurrence, also demonstrate positive associations with cardiac rehabilitation participation.
Conclusion: In conclusion, cardiac rehabilitation plays a vital role in optimizing postoperative recovery and improving long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery. Implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs as part of routine care can lead to enhanced patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved overall quality of life.
Keywords: Cardiac Surgery, Rehabilitation Programs, Cardiovascular Diseases, Postoperative Recovery.