Effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with conjestive heart failure

This study is a randomized controlled trial that will evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation in patients with congestive heart failure. Fifty ambulatory patients with CHF diagnosed and followed by the Cardiologist will be recruited to the study. Inclusion criteria: patient with NYHA classification 2 or 3 with ejection fraction less than 45 and older than 50 years old who is referred by cardiologist for cardiac rehabilitation. Exclusion criteria: diabetes mellitus; obstructive cardiomyopathy; arrhythmia; uncontrolled HTN(systolic blood pressure more than 200 and diastolic blood pressure more than 120); aortic stenosis; recent myocardial infarction; symptomatic pectoralis angina; patient with muscular or skeletal deformity that is limited physical activity and cardiac surgery. Patients will be randomized by using the sequence of random numbers either to case and control groups. All patients continue their recommended medication and diet during the study. The control groups continue their medication and are encouraged to perform their routine daily activities, whereas the exercise group participates in cardiac rehabilitation program in addition to their usual medication. The control group performs cardiac rehabilitation three times a week for 40 sessions. Each session begin with 10 minutes warm up and stretching exercise and proceeded with interval training method: 20 seconds with 50% maximal resistance and 40 seconds with 20% of maximal resistance (maximal resistance is measured with ramp test). This method continues up to 20 minutes and end with 10 minutes cool down and stretching exercise. Total duration of exercise is 30 minutes arm ergometry and 30 minutes leg ergometry. In this randomized controlled trial, ejection fraction and quality of life of all patients will be assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study (4 months later).

Shiraz University of Medical Science