[Effect of cardiac rehabilitation in ischemic patients not undergoing coronary revascularization]

Cardiac rehabilitation program was implemented on 65 patients rejected for bypass surgery and/or coronary angioplasty. The group was formed by 63 males (96.9%), 2 females (3.0). Their ages ranged from 54.5 +/- 8.7 year (mean +/- SD). Their risk's factors, were (RF): cigarette smoking, 25 patients (38.6%), hypercholesterolemia 47 (72.3%), hypertriglyceridemia 48 (73.8%), hypertension 33 (50.7%), diabetes mellitus 33 (46.1%), myocardial infarction 56 (86.1%). Coronary arteriography showed one vessel disease (25.5%), two vessels (38.3%) and three (36.1%). Ejection fraction (EF) > 50% in 39 (60%). The features evaluated were: number of obstructed vessels, (EF) and age.

One patient died, fifty two (80%) were asymptomatic ten showed stable angina (15.3%) and three (4.6%) unstable angina. Tobacco addiction decreased by 92%. Hypertension was controlled in 42.2%. Hypercholesterolemia was normalized in 82.9%. Hypertriglyceridemia improved in 53%. Oxygen uptake VO2 and Oxygen pulse PO2 improved in 42 patients (64.6%). Cardiac rehabilitation is a good alternative to improve quality of life in patients in whom a coronary revascularization is not feasible.