Effects of moderate physical training program in post-myocardial infarction patients with arterial hypertension

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Exercise Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Hypertensive patients post-myocardial infarction (MI) face significant cardiovascular risks.
• Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRPs) aim to improve outcomes for these patients.
• The role of structured physical training within CRPs requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the clinical effectiveness of physical training integrated into a CRP for hypertensive patients post-MI.
• To compare outcomes between a physically trained group and a control group receiving standard care.

Main Methods:

• 206 hypertensive post-MI patients were randomized into a physically trained group (PhTG, n=102) or a control group (CG, n=104).
• PhTG engaged in mild calisthenics and moderate cycling exercises thrice weekly for one year.
• Both groups received standard drug therapy.

Main Results:

• PhTG showed significant improvements in exercise capacity (duration +38%, total work +63.6%), cardiac function (ejection fraction +7.6%), and reduced rate-pressure product (-8.2%).
• Resting blood pressure decreased in PhTG (systolic -3.1%, diastolic -3.5%) while increasing in CG (systolic +3.1%, diastolic +3.4%).
• PhTG experienced fewer ischemic episodes, angina attacks, nitroglycerin use, cardiovascular events (-50%), and reduced work absence (-43.2%).

Conclusions:

• Supplementing CRPs with moderate physical exercise offers substantial benefits for hypertensive post-MI patients.
• This approach improves blood pressure, work capacity, cardiac function, and overall quality of life.
• Physical training is a valuable component of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation.