The Clinical Efficacy of Cardiac Rehabilitation in Takotsubo Syndrome
Kevin G. Tayon, Ashley E. Carlisle, Artur Schneider, Brian P. Shapiro, Elizabeth H. Dineen, Leslie T. Cooper, Bryan J. TaylorPurpose:
Despite normalization of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), symptoms and impaired exercise capacity can persist ~1 year after Takotsubo syndrome (TTS). We evaluated the impact of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on cardiac structure and function, functional exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with TTS.
Methods:
Patients with TTS who completed (TTS-CR, n = 33) and did not complete (TTS-CTL, n = 24) CR were retrospectively analyzed. Cardiac structure and function (via echocardiogram) were assessed at index hospitalization and follow-up (post-CR in TTS-CR; >1 month later in TTS). The 6-minute walk test distance and Dartmouth Cooperative Functional Assessment Charts quality-of-life score were assessed pre- and post-CR (TTS-CR). Major adverse cardiovascular events within 1-year post index hospitalization were recorded (all groups).
Results:
The LVEF improved similarly in TTS-CR (39 ± 9% vs 60 ± 6%) and TTS (39 ± 10% vs 60 ± 7%,
Conclusions:
Cardiac rehabilitation did not enhance cardiac structural or functional recovery but did improve functional exercise capacity and HRQoL in patients with TTS.