Cardiac rehabilitation in very old patients: data from the Italian Survey on Cardiac Rehabilitation-2008 (ISYDE-2008)--official report of the Italian Association for Cardiovascular Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Epidemiology

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2010 Dec;65(12):1353-61. doi: 10.1093/gerona/glq138. Epub 2010 Jul 28.

Abstract

Background: Using data from the Italian SurveY on carDiac rEhabilitation-2008 (ISYDE-2008), this study provides insight into the level of implementation of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in very old cardiac patients.

Methods: Data from 165 CR units were collected online from January 28 to February 10, 2008.

Results: The study cohort consisted of 2,281 patients (66.9 ± 11.8 years): 1,714 (62.4 ± 9.6 years, 78% male) aged<75 years and 567 aged ≥ 75 years (80.8 ± 4.5 years, 59% male). Compared with adults, a higher percentage of older patients were referred to CR programs after cardiac surgery or acute heart failure and showed more acute phase complications and comorbidity. Older patients were less likely discharged to home, more likely transferred to nursing homes, or discharged with social networks activation. Older patients had higher death rate during CR programs (odds ratio = 4.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.6-12.9; p = .004).

Conclusion: The ISYDE-2008 survey provided a detailed snapshot of CR in very old cardiac patients.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / adverse effects
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / surgery
  • Cohort Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Heart Failure / complications
  • Heart Failure / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nursing Homes
  • Patient Discharge
  • Postoperative Care
  • Prospective Studies
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Social Support
  • Societies, Medical