Long-term Effects of an Expanded Cardiac Rehabilitation Program after M

Introduction An acute coronary syndrome is defined as a â€Å"sudden onset of myocardial ischemia which results in myocardial death, that is, a myocardial infarction.† (Citation) A myocardial infarction occurs when the blood flow is reduced in a coronary artery, usually due to excessive plaque, which results in a complete occlusion of the artery. Cardiac rehabilitation is an important aspect of continuity of care after a patient who has recently experienced a myocardial infarction is free of symptoms. A major goal of cardiac rehabilitation is to improve and extend quality of life. Problem Statement The purpose of this study was â€Å"to evaluate whether an expanded cardiac rehabilitation program, intended to alter patient’s lifestyle, could decrease cardiac events as compared to standard cardiac rehabilitation during a five-year period† (Plà ¼ss, et al., 2011). The purpose statement indirectly expressed a relationship between two independent variables and one dependent variable. The two independent variables in this study were an extended cardiac rehabilitation program and a standard cardiac rehabilitation program. The dependent variable was a decrease in cardiovascular events. Review of the Literature Throughout the years, there have been many studies outlining the importance of cardiac rehabilitation and its role in reducing risk factors that predispose individuals to cardiovascular complications. However, these studies and the guidelines previously proposed are mainly based on small studies which included young men with a low risk of experiencing a myocardial infarction. Furthermore, there have been few randomized, controlled studies conducted to evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation on cardiovascular morbidity. According... ...farctions and the risk reduction expressed as HR 0.51 (95% CI 0.31-0.86)† (Plà ¼ss, et al., 2011). The Danrehab study reported similar reduction in the length of stay for patients with heart disease and at high risk for ischemic heart disease. Transferring these findings into nursing practice will provide great benefits. There will be a great reduction in healthcare cost and consumption. Along with, fewer deaths related to cardiovascular events. Patients will be able to live longer, healthier lives. Works Cited Plà ¼ss, C., Billing, E., Held, C., Henriksson, P., Kiessling, A., Karlsson, M., & Wallen, H. (2011). Long-term effects of an expanded cardiac rehabilitation programme after myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass surgery: a five-year follow-up of a randomized controlled study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 25(1), 79-87. doi:10.1177/0269215510376006