Impact of Prior COVID-19 Infections on Cardiac Rehabilitation Completion Rates and Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is crucial for cardiovascular disease management.
• The long-term effects of prior COVID-19 infection on patient recovery and adherence to rehabilitation programs require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a previous COVID-19 infection on cardiac rehabilitation completion rates and patient outcomes.
• To compare the effectiveness of CR in patients with and without a history of COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort study of 806 participants enrolled in CR between June 2020 and March 2022.
• Participants were categorized based on self-reported prior COVID-19 infection.
• Outcome measures included mental health (GAD-7, PHQ-9, SF-36 MCS), physical health (SF-36 PCS), and exercise capacity (METs).

Main Results:

• Overall CR completion rate was 67.2% in the prior COVID-19 group versus 58.7% in the no prior COVID-19 group (P=.072).
• African Americans, diabetics, and smokers were less likely to complete CR.
• Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all measured outcomes post-CR, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• Prior COVID-19 infection does not negatively affect the mental and physical health benefits derived from completing cardiac rehabilitation.
• The findings support the inclusion of patients with a history of COVID-19 in standard CR programs.