Cardiac rehabilitation in the elderly patient in eight rehabilitation units in Western Europe: Baseline data from the EU-CaRE multicentre observational study

Eva Prescott*, Nicolai Mikkelsen, Annette Holdgaard, Prisca Eser, Thimo Marcin, Matthias Wilhelm, Carlos Peña Gil, José R González-Juanatey, Feriel Moatemri, Marie Christine Iliou, Steffen Schneider, Eike Schromm, Uwe Zeymer, Esther P Meindersma, Diego Ardissino, Evelien K Kolkman, Leonie F Prins, Astrid E van der Velde, Arnoud Wj Van 't Hof, Ed P de Kluiver

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Due to the progressive deconditioning, comorbidities and higher complication rates, elderly patients are in particular need of cardiac rehabilitation. We compared elderly patients (65+ years old) participating in cardiac rehabilitation, focusing on baseline characteristics, risk factor control and functional assessment.

METHODS: The EU-CaRE study is a prospective study comparing cardiac rehabilitation in eight centres across Western Europe. Consecutive patients with acute coronary syndrome, stable coronary artery disease and heart valve replacement undergoing cardiac rehabilitation were included.

RESULTS: Of 1633 patients (median age 72 years) participating, 54% had acute coronary syndrome, 33% had stable coronary artery disease and 13% followed valve replacement. Fifty-five per cent had undergone percutaneous coronary intervention and 29% coronary artery bypass grafting. Characteristics varied across centres: 23% (17-27%) were women, 4% (0-12%) were of non-European origin and 16% (4-32%) were living alone. Median time from index event to start of cardiac rehabilitation varied from 11 to 49 days (p < 0.001). Mean VO2peak was relatively low (16 mL/kg per min) and varied significantly between the participating centres, largely unaffected by multivariable adjustment. Overall patients received guideline recommended treatment: 93% (87-97%) were on a statin and 70% (55-85%) an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker. However, risk factor control was inadequate: 58% had three or more risk factors not controlled.

CONCLUSION: EU-CaRE provides a snapshot of the elderly population with heart disease participating in cardiac rehabilitation across countries in Western Europe. Risk factors and exercise capacity indicate the continued need for cardiac rehabilitation in these patients. Of concern, the lag-time to start of cardiac rehabilitation needs improvement in many centres.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1052-1063
Number of pages12
JournalEuropean Journal of Preventive Cardiology
Volume26
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Elderly
  • coronary heart disease
  • heart valve replacement
  • cardiorespiratory fitness
  • SECONDARY PREVENTION
  • OLDER
  • MEN

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