The Effects of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of CR programs on physical and mental health outcomes in patients with all forms of AF. Six electronic databases were searched to identify all studies that reported on the impact of CR in AF patients. Searching identified 5771 potential articles, of which 12 were included. The physical health outcomes evaluated included: cardiometabolic health indicators; aerobic and functional capacity; symptom severity and AF recurrence; hospitalizations; and, mortality. The mental health outcomes assessed included: quality of life; anxiety; depression; and, sleep quality. The limited evidence supports the use of CR to improve cardiometabolic health indicators and aerobic and functional capacity in AF patients. The current evidence suggests that prominent improvements in aerobic fitness are associated with lower risk of hospitalization and mortality. The conflicting mental health findings may be due to the varying severity of AF and or modes of exercise interventions. Gaps in the research identified the need for: greater rigor in the reporting of intervention details, outcomes and statistical methodology; sex- and gender-based analyses; and, effectiveness trials. This review serves as a call to action for more work globally on this important area.
Source: Canadian Journal of Cardiology - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research