Average and Interindividual Effects to a Comprehensive Cardiovascular Rehabilitation Program.

Background: To describe the average effects and the interindividual variability after a comprehensive outpatient cardiovascular rehabilitation (CCR) program using concurrent exercise training prescribed according to cardiovascular risk stratification on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), anthropometric/body composition, quality of life and emotional health in patients of four cardiovascular disease profiles. Methods: CRF, anthropometric/body composition, quality of life, and emotional health were measured before and after a CCR and analyzed in heart valve surgery (HVS), heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), post-acute myocardial infarction (post-AMI), and in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Twenty, twenty-four, and thirty-two exercise sessions were prescribed according to mild, moderate, and severe baseline cardiovascular risk, respectively.

Reproducibility of Maximum Respiratory Pressure Assessment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Accurate assessment of maximum respiratory pressure is vital when tracking disease progression and devising treatment strategies. Previous studies indicate a learning effect when undertaking maximum respiratory pressure measurements. The extent of this learning effect and methodologies undertaken to mitigate this learning effect have not been investigated systematically.

Cardiac rehabilitation availability and characteristics in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Global Comparison.

Background: This study aimed to establish availability and characteristics of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), where cardiovascular disease is highly prevalent.

Methods: In this cross-sectional sub-analysis focusing on the 35 LAC countries, local cardiovascular societies identified CR programs globally. An online survey was administered to identified programs, assessing capacity and characteristics.

Alirocumab as add-on therapy to statins: current evidence and clinical potential.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (ASCVDs) are associated with a substantial mortality, physical morbidity, and mental disability. Elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels play a major role in the pathophysiology of ASCVDs. Statins have been shown to reduce ASCVD risk and associated events and are recommended as first-line therapy for treatment of hypercholesterolemia by current international guidelines.

Differences in energy expenditure, amount of physical activity and physical exertion level during a Zumba fitness class among adult women who are normal weight, overweight and obese.

Background: One of the most popular expressions of massive group classes of aerobic physical activity is Zumba fitness. The aim of the study was to compare and relate the energy expenditure and the amount and intensity of physical effort during a Zumba fitness class in women with different Body Mass Index (BMI).

Methods: Body displacements of 61 adult women who performed a one-hour Zumba session were evaluated with triaxial accelerometers.