Depressive symptoms interfere with the improvement in exercise capacity by cardiac rehabilitation after left ventricular assist device implantation

BACKGROUND Although depressive symptoms are associated with an increased risk of readmission after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, it is unclear whether they affect the efficacy of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation (EBCR). This study aimed to investigate the effect of depressive symptoms on EBCR efficacy. METHODS We analyzed 48 patients who participated in EBCR after LVAD implantation (mean age 45 ± 12 years; 60% male). Patients were classified into two groups using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS): depressive group (SDS ≥40, n = 27) and non-depressive group (SDS