In-patient cardiac rehabilitation versus medical care - a prospective multicentre controlled 12 months follow-up in patients with coronary heart disease.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate a 3-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (Rehab) started early after the index event in patients with coronary heart disease and evidence-based secondary preventive medication.

Method: All patients had acute coronary angiography, 679 were discharged from hospital receiving usual care (Hosp), 795 completed a comprehensive Rehab. Follow-up was 12 months.

Results: Rehab patients were older (64 vs. 62 years; p < 0.001), had more multivessel disease (51 vs. 37%; p < 0.001), heart failure (64 vs. 40%, p < 0.001), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (59 vs. 52%, p = 0.014), and renal insufficiency (10 vs. 7%, p = 0.036). Gender, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, hypertension, and socioeconomic status were similar in groups. Rehab patients had more beta-blockers (88 vs. 75%, p < 0.001) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (81 vs. 70%, p < 0.001), a lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (102 vs. 122 mg/dl, p < 0.001), and a higher proportion of non-smokers (44 vs. 39%, p = 0.024). Primary combined endpoint of mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, and hospitalization occurred in 32.6% of Rehab patients and in 38.7% of Hosp patients [p = 0.014; absolute risk reduction 0.0615, relative risk reduction 16%, number needed to treat (NNT) 17]. Myocardial infarction (MI) (1.8 vs. 3.8%, p = 0.015; NNT 49) and hospitalization (31.8 vs. 38.0%, p = 0.013; NNT 17) were reduced. In multivariate analysis, primary endpoint was reduced significantly (OR 0.729; 95% CI 0.585-0.909; p = 0.005) giving a relative risk reduction of 27% in favour of Rehab.

Conclusion: Although Rehab patients were sicker at entry, their outcome was substantially improved within 12 months. With very low NNT, Rehab is highly effective and should be advised to all suitable patients with coronary heart disease.