Effect of Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients

Effect of Phase 2 Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein Levels in Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Patients

Objective: To assess the effects of phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program on hs-CRP levels in patients revascularized by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods: This study included 80 patients with a history of acute myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome for which total coronary revascularization had been performed by PCI. Patients were randomized into 2 equal groups; one enrolled in a cardiac rehabilitation program while the other was not. Risk factors and body mass index were assessed. Hs-CRP was measured at baseline then at the end of cardiac rehabilitation program or after three months for controls.

Results: There was no significant difference between study and control patients regarding baseline characteristics. At baseline, median hs-CRP was higher in the study group 2.36 (0.63-10.6) vs 1.68 (0.57-10.1) mg/L (p=0.012). For the study group, BMI dropped from 29.6 ± 4.5 to 28.9 ± 4.3 kg/m2 (p=0.002) and the number of active smokers was reduced (p<0.0001). Hs-CRP was reduced from 2.36 (0.63-10.6) to 1.63 (0.57-7.91) mg/L (p=0.0006). Significant reductions in hs-CRP levels were found in non-smokers (p=0.018), non-hypertensive (p<0.0001) and non-diabetic patients (p<0.0001). For the control group, there was no change in BMI at 3 months (p=0.422) nor hs-CRP (p=0.145). Comparing study and control groups at follow up, revealed a lower hs-CRP in the study group 1.63 (0.57-7.19) vs 2.4 (0.8-7.85) mg/L (p=0.003).

Conclusion: Participation in phase 2 cardiac rehabilitation program leads to a significant reduction in hs-CRP levels in patients with ischemic heart disease totally revascularized by PCI. Number of active smokers and BMI are also reduced.