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An exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for AF patients in the NHS: a feasibility study
Mark Mills1, Elizabeth Johnson2, Hamza Zafar3
1Core Medical Trainee Department of Cardiology, Northern General Hospital, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, S5 7AU.
The British Journal of Cardiology
|June 24, 2022
Summary
Exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation is feasible for atrial fibrillation (AF) patients in the NHS, improving exercise capacity and psychological health. Barriers to completion include obesity and higher anxiety/depression levels.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Growing evidence supports exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation for atrial fibrillation (AF) management.
- Adoption of these programs within the National Health Service (NHS) remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of utilizing an established NHS cardiac rehabilitation program for AF patients.
- To evaluate the program's impact on exercise capacity, weight, and psychological health.
- To identify barriers to patient enrollment and program completion.
Main Methods:
- A six-week exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program involving physical activity and education was implemented.
- Patients with symptomatic AF underwent baseline and post-program assessments: weight, six-minute walk test (6MWT), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9).
Main Results:
- 33 out of 77 invited patients (42.8%) completed the program.
- Completing patients showed improved 6MWT distances and reduced GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores.
- Patients who withdrew had higher baseline BMI, lower 6MWT distances, and higher GAD-7/PHQ-9 scores compared to completers.
Conclusions:
- Enrollment of AF patients in NHS cardiac rehabilitation is feasible, with nearly half completing the program.
- Short-term benefits include enhanced exercise capacity and reduced anxiety and depression.
- Severe obesity, high anxiety/depression, and low initial exercise capacity are identified barriers to program completion.
