Effect of different models of cardiac rehabilitation on heart rate recovery

Background and aim: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of different models of the second stage of cardiac rehabilitation on heart rate recovery (HRR). We also evaluated the effect of selected cardiovascular risk factors on HRR. Methods: The study included 103 patients (80 men and 23 women) aged 60.9 ± 10.7 years with a recent acute coronary syndrome undergoing the second stage of a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation. An exercise test (ExT) was performed before and after rehabilitation. Results: HRR improved significantly only in women (26.5 bpm in ExT before rehabilitation vs. 32.8 bpm in ExT after rehabilitation, p < 0.05). The highest HRR was obtained in the subgroup rehabilitated according to the model A, and the lowest in subgroup C (31 vs. 22.1 bpm, p < 0.05). The highest increase in HRR was observed in the most seriously ill patients in subgroup C (18 bpm before rehabilitation vs. 22.1 bpm after rehabilitation). Conclusions: The most significant improvement in HRR was observed in the most seriously ill patients.