Prognosis for post-myocardial infarction patients entering cardiac rehabilitation

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether patients who evidence a deterioration of health status while participating in a three month hospital based cardiac rehabilitation program could be identified prior to their actual participation in such a program. The specific problems were: 1. To identify the variables which are associated with those persons who had experienced a myocardial infarction and who later suffered a clinical event that resulted in termination of the program. 2. To develop a method which may be used to predict whether patients entering into cardiac rehabilitation are likely to experience further cardiovascular problems during the time of cardiac rehabilitation that would limit their participation. The sample for this investigation was comprised of 40 male subjects who had experienced a single myocardial infarction, had been evaluated by the staff of the Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation within twelve weeks of the date of their infarction and were net using any beta adrenergic blocking agents during the time between the day of their infarction and completion of the exercise training program. Subjects were classified into one of two groups depending on whether the individual completed the twelve week exercise program or discontinued the exercise training program for medical reasons. Data resulting from the initial evaluation were collected in retrospect. These data included: age, height, weight, percent body fat, cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, blood glucose concentration, type and date of myocardial infarction, medications, resting heart rate and resting blood pressures, and type and incidence of resting electrocardiographic abnormalities. Also collected at that time were the exercise test data including physical work capacity, maximal heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, type and incidence of cardiac dysrhythmias, the occurrence of angina pectoris and the incidence of electrocardiographic evidence of myocardial ischemia...