Ventricular arrhythmias in rehabilitated and nonrehabilitated post-myocardial infarction patients with left ventricular dysfunction.

The incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in rehabilitated post-myocardial infarction (MI) patients with left ventricular dysfunction included in a long-term rehabilitation program was assessed and compared with that in similar patients who were not in such a program. Thirty-eight post-MI patients (2 to 19 years after the acute event) with ejection fraction < 40% were investigated by 48-hour Holter monitoring. They were divided into the following 3 groups: group I, 11 patients who underwent arm training for 60 months; group II, 11 patients who underwent calisthenics for 36 months; and group III, 16 patients who were not in any rehabilitation program; the age of the patients was 61 +/- 7, 61 +/- 6 and 61 +/- 9 years, respectively, (p = not significant). Ejection fraction at rest was 31 +/- 9 for group I, 29 +/- 7 for group II, and 29 +/- 7 for group III (p = not significant). There were no significant differences concerning the location of MI, and antiarrhythmic treatment received by patients from all groups. At the conclusion of 48-hour Holter monitoring, 2 blood samples were obtained for assessment of norepinephrine (at rest and after postural change). Quality of life was determined by a detailed questionnaire, including questions concerning social activity, life satisfaction and sexual function. After 36 and 60 months, an improvement in hemodynamic condition of patients in group I was noted. Quality of life was higher in the rehabilitated patients, with enhanced emotional stability, satisfaction with work and social life, and a high percentage of return to work (82 vs 40%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)