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Abstract
Introduction: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Europe, including Portugal. Referral to a cardiovascular rehabilitation program (CRP) is a class I recommendation for all patients with coronary artery disease based on findings that participation can reduce cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause-mortality, as well as improve functional capacity and quality of life [Citation1]. Fewer than half of all eligible cardiovascular patients benefit from CRP in most European countries. In Portugal, only 10% of patients with post-acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are admitted to CRP [Citation2]. The purpose of this study is to characterize the patients who participated in the first three years of Hospital Garcia de Orta’s cardiac reconditioning program in terms of key demographic variables and the prevalence of common risk factors.
Material and methods: A transversal, descriptive study of patients admitted to CRP during the first three years of existence in Hospital Garcia de Orta. The following parameters were analyzed: age, gender, admission diagnosis and risk factors for CVD - hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, increased body mass index, smoking and family history of CVD. This study follows all the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.
Results: 57 patients were admitted with a mean age of 53 [32–79] years old, predominantly male (74%). 55 were admitted after ACS (53 status after PCI and 2 status after CABG), 1 after valvular replacement surgery and 1 with heart failure class III (NYHA). The prevalence of hypertension was 56%; LDL ≥100 mg/dL 54%; HDL ≤45 mg/dL 52%; cholesterol ≥175 mg/dL 52%; triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL 39%; overweight 44%; obesity 19%; 53% were smokers; 16% with diabetes mellitus and family history of CVD in 63%.
Discussion and conclusion: During this period only 57 patients were admitted, mainly due to a lack of staff, resources and infrastructures. Our CRP is expanding, foreseeing a greater admission of eligible patients in the future. In spite of the small sample size we observe a high prevalence of CV risk factors among our patient which is consistent with the data from literature. Thus referral to CRP is crucial as they include several strategies which aim to reduce CV risk factors and therefore reduce of cardiovascular disease morbi-mortality.