Vnitr Lek 2009, 55(1):22-26

Cardiovascular rehabilitation today

I. Karel^*, H. Skalická

Kardiologie - interna, MUDr. Hana Skalická, CSc., Praha, vedoucí lékař MUDr. Hana Skalická, CSc., FESC

The authors submit a clearly-arranged article summarizing the contemporary situation in cardiorehabilitation. They explain the term "cardiorehabilitation" as well as to whom it is assigned and who should put it in practise. It contains facts gathered from analysis of numerous randomized studies executed worldwide on thousands of patients. Benefits for various groups of patients are emphasized. The positive effect of cardiorehabilitation is proved by decrease of both morbidity and mortality, total as well as cardiovascular. The physical condition of patients, their weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, glycaemia and sensitivity to insuline, fibrinolytical activity are favourably influenced by cardiorehabilitation. It was observed that the ectopic activity of myocardium decreases, anginose attacks are reduced and that the consumption of oxygen after excercise rises. Among the other benefits may be counted lower occurrence of tumorous diseases, improved quality of life and minimalisation of depressions. There is given evidence that the risks of cardiorehabilitation are often overvalued. Positive effect of this treatment is proven, as well as the effect of the pharmacological or cathetrisation and surgical treatments.

Keywords: cardiovascular diseases; cardiorehabilitation; physical excercise; risk factors

Received: July 9, 2008; Accepted: August 19, 2008; Published: January 1, 2009  Show citation