Are Heart Failure and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines?

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe subjective and objective physical activity (PA) levels of two groups of cardiovascular patients who were either post-coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery or diagnosed with heart failure (HF).

Design: A descriptive comparative design was used for this secondary analysis of data from two prior studies.

Methods: A convenience sample of 62 outpatients was used to examine PA objectively (Actiheart accelerometer) and subjectively (PA interview).

Findings: Objectively, 33% of CABG patients and no HF patients met PA recommendations of ≥ 150 min/week. Subjectively, 56% of CABG and 38% of HF patients reported meeting PA recommendations.

Conclusions: Few patients in the current study met PA recommendations.

Clinical Relevance: Innovative rehabilitation nursing practice strategies are needed (e.g., use of activity trackers, making PA a vital sign) to assist patients in gaining the knowledge and skills to be more active and adhere to PA recommendations.