Cardiovascular rehabilitation after myocardial revascularization: a case report

Abstract

Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is an essential component of non-pharmacological treatment for heart disease patients, used to modify cardiovascular risk factors and improve exercise tolerance. This report presents the case of a patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and participated in a CR program, describing the changes in their physical performance and quality of life over three years of follow-up. A 68-year-old patient, following coronary artery bypass surgery and participation in CR, showed significant improvement in cardiorespiratory capacity. This was evidenced by an increase in the distance covered during the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) (from 490 ± 70 to 846 ± 8 meters) and a reduction in the average resting heart rate (from 70 ± 8 to 52 ± 2 beats per minute), along with a decrease in the dose of beta-blockers. The analysis of 6MWT results and the SF-36 questionnaire revealed improvements in physical performance and good quality of life, respectively. The results highlight the importance of CR as an integral part of treatment for patients with ischemic heart disease, demonstrating a reduction in pharmacological load and an improvement in cardiorespiratory capacity.