Effects of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on the Myocardial Performance Index in Patients With a History of Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs effectively decrease mortality and lead to a better quality of life. Our study addresses the effects of these programs on the myocardial performance index (MPI) as a marker of cardiac function in post-bypass patients. To evaluate the effects of CR on the MPI as a quantitative cardiac function index according to different baseline characteristics including the left ventricular ejection fraction, we designed this cohort before-and-after trial. Methods: We enrolled 65 outpatients with a history of coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). The MPI and ejection fraction indices were measured before and after the completion of an individualized 12-session CR program. Results: After the successful completion of a CR program by the subjects, the mean MPI showed a significant decline (0.50 vs 0.55; P < 0.001) and the left ventricular ejection fraction exhibited a significant rise (P < 0.001). The change was more pronounced specifically in the group with a moderately reduced left ventricular dysfunction (mean MPI = 0.52 vs 0.63). Conclusions: We successfully showed that a supervised individualized CR program can affect the MPI and systolic ejection fraction indices in post-bypass patients positively. Thus, an individualized CR program should be considered for this group of patients as a complement to the standard therapy.