Factors Influencing Cardiac Rehabilitation Success

Cardiovascular diseases, especially after life-saving surgeries, require comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation (CR). We know that the effectiveness of CR varies among patients. The main goal of this study is to understand which factors-psychological, physical, cognitive, biochemical, and hormonal-influence the success and long-term durability of the recovery process. These findings will help us create more effective and personalized treatment programs.

Who is Being Studied and What is Being Assessed? Study Group: 150 patients of both sexes, aged 50-80 years, hospitalized in the cardiac rehabilitation ward, primarily after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG).

Study Period: Patients will be assessed at the start of their hospital stay, at the end of rehabilitation, and again 3-6 months after discharge.

Key Assessment Areas (Modulating Factors)

Physical Status and Fitness:

Exercise tolerance (6-Minute Walk Test).

Muscle strength (handgrip), balance, and gait.

Body composition (analysis of muscle mass and fat tissue).

Respiratory function and diaphragm mobility (ultrasound).

Psychological and Cognitive Factors:

Assessment of anxiety, depression, and general mental well-being.

Evaluation of cognitive functions (memory, concentration) following cardiac surgery.

Sleep Problems (OSA):

Assessment of the risk and severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which is common in cardiac patients.

Analysis of OSA risk factors related to oral health (dentition, microbiome) and craniofacial structure.

Biological Markers:

Hormonal tests (e.g., testosterone, estradiol) and their correlation with psycho-physical condition and the rehabilitation process.

Analysis of metabolic and muscle-related biomarkers (e.g., myokines: irisin, myostatin).