Cardiac Rehabilitation Improves Outcomes After Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Chiemi Yamazaki1, Atsuko Nakayama2, Junko Sakamoto3

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Sakakibara Heart Institute, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cardiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.

JACC. Asia
|June 12, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) after thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) surgery significantly lowers major adverse cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality. This benefit was observed even in former smokers, highlighting CR

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Surgery
  • Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is established for ischemic heart disease and heart failure.
  • Effectiveness of CR in thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) patients post-surgery is not well-defined.
  • TAA repair surgery requires comprehensive post-operative care to improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the impact of outpatient CR on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).
  • To assess the effect of CR on all-cause mortality following open TAA repair.
  • To analyze CR's role in TAA patient recovery and long-term prognosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 1,710 patients undergoing open TAA repair (2003-2015).
  • Comparison between a CR group (n=419) and a non-CR group (n=1,193).
  • Propensity score matching used to control for baseline differences; primary outcomes: MACE and all-cause mortality.

Main Results:

  • The CR group showed significantly lower MACE (HR: 0.58) and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.59) post-matching.
  • Five-year estimated all-cause mortality was 7.5% for CR vs. 12.3% for non-CR.
  • CR benefit persisted in former smokers, who had higher overall mortality risk (HR: 2.69).

Conclusions:

  • Outpatient CR post-TAA surgery is linked to reduced MACE and mortality.
  • CR demonstrates a positive impact on survival even for TAA patients with a history of smoking.
  • Integrating CR into post-TAA surgical care may improve long-term cardiovascular outcomes.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management01:17

Aortic Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management

A nurse managing a patient with aortic regurgitation begins with a comprehensive assessment, including a review of the patient's medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. During the cardiac examination, the nurse listens for heart sounds and checks for signs of valve abnormalities. The nurse also observes for symptoms such as dyspnea, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea and assesses the patient's endurance and daily activity tolerance.Based on the findings, the nurse...
Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management01:25

Aortic Regurgitation III: Medical Management

Aortic regurgitation (AR) is when the aortic valve does not close or seal properly, leading to backward blood circulation from the aorta into the left ventricle during diastole. Common causes of AR include rheumatic heart disease, congenital valve defects, and aortic root dilation. Managing AR requires a multifaceted approach to alleviate symptoms, preserve left ventricular function, and address the underlying cause of the regurgitation. Patients with symptomatic AR or significant left...
Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management01:22

Aneurysm IV: Nursing Management

Vigilant monitoring for aneurysm rupture is essential for patients undergoing aortic surgery.Preoperative Nursing ManagementContinuously monitor the patient for manifestations of aneurysm rupture, such as pallor, weakness, tachycardia, hypotension, abdominal, back, groin, or periumbilical pain, changes in consciousness, and a pulsating abdominal mass. Regularly assess the patient's peripheral pulses.Instruct the patient to consume a clear liquid diet the day before surgery and administer...
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care01:26

Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care

Aneurysm management involves either conservative medical therapy or surgical intervention, depending on the size and symptoms of the aneurysm. Conservative management is generally reserved for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, while larger or symptomatic aneurysms often necessitate surgical repair.Conservative Medical TherapyFor small, asymptomatic aneurysms, particularly abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) less than 5.5 centimeters in diameter, conservative medical therapy is recommended. This...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...