Mortality and Readmission Outcomes for Intensive and Conventional Cardiac Rehabilitation (MR-OFICR) Study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cardiac rehabilitation programs are crucial for post-cardiac event recovery.
• Two main formats exist: Conventional Cardiac Rehab (CCR) focusing on exercise, and Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) offering a holistic approach with diet and counseling.
• Comparing their long-term efficacy is essential for patient care guidelines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) versus Conventional Cardiac Rehab (CCR) for Major Adverse Cardiac Events (MACE) over two years.
• To evaluate secondary outcomes including overall mortality and hospital readmissions.
• To identify patient factors, such as age, associated with MACE.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study design was employed.
• 2104 patients were analyzed, with 963 in the CCR group and 1141 in the ICR group.
• Primary outcome was a composite of MACE (mortality, unstable angina, MI, CABG, PCI, stroke) at two years; secondary outcomes included mortality and readmissions.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in the composite MACE outcome was observed between ICR and CCR groups (OR = 1.10; 95% CI = 0.81-1.49; p = 0.55).
• Readmission rates were significantly higher in the ICR group (34.1%) compared to the CCR group (28.6%) (p = 0.006).
• Older age was a significant predictor of increased MACE events (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.07-1.25; p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• ICR and CCR demonstrate comparable effectiveness in preventing Major Adverse Cardiac Events at two years.
• The higher readmission rate in the ICR group warrants consideration in clinical practice.
• Age is a significant factor influencing MACE outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation patients.