RESEARCH PAPER
Retrospective comparative analysis of short-term outcomes of inpatient rehabilitation following acute myocardial infarction
1
Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Pleven, Pleven, Bulgaria
Submission date: 2026-07-28
Final revision date: 2026-10-07
Acceptance date: 2026-10-13
Online publication date: 2026-10-22
Corresponding author
Tanya Megova
Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Pleven, 1 Sv. Kliment Ohridski Str. 5800, Pleven, Bulgaria
Faculty of Public Health, Medical University of Pleven, 1 Sv. Kliment Ohridski Str. 5800, Pleven, Bulgaria
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Cardiac rehabilitation is a key element of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with acute myocardial infarction. The location of the infarction and the timing of primary percutaneous coronary intervention influence the benefits of rehabilitation.
Material and methods:
An early rehabilitation program was implemented for 111 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, both with and without primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The study involved an analysis of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and subjective ratings of physical exertion.
Results:
Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within the first 12 hours of the infarction demonstrated the most favorable physical response to exertion throughout the program sessions. Statistically significant differences were observed primarily in heart rate values and subjective ratings of exertion. Patients with inferior myocardial infarction showed a better physical response regarding the studied parameters compared to those with anterior myocardial infarction.
Conclusions:
Regardless of the treatment method, the implementation of an early rehabilitation program involving a gradual increase in exercise intensity is safe and effective and is recommended for all patients.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a key element of the multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with acute myocardial infarction. The location of the infarction and the timing of primary percutaneous coronary intervention influence the benefits of rehabilitation.
Material and methods:
An early rehabilitation program was implemented for 111 patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, both with and without primary percutaneous coronary intervention. The study involved an analysis of heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and subjective ratings of physical exertion.
Results:
Patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention within the first 12 hours of the infarction demonstrated the most favorable physical response to exertion throughout the program sessions. Statistically significant differences were observed primarily in heart rate values and subjective ratings of exertion. Patients with inferior myocardial infarction showed a better physical response regarding the studied parameters compared to those with anterior myocardial infarction.
Conclusions:
Regardless of the treatment method, the implementation of an early rehabilitation program involving a gradual increase in exercise intensity is safe and effective and is recommended for all patients.
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