To confirm the improvement in arterial endothelial function by aerobic exercise training, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was tested by ultrasonography.
Patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention due to acute coronary syndrome were included. The patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program were categorized as the CR group, and others who did not participate as the control. Both groups underwent initial graded exercise test (GXT) and FMD testing. Subsequently, the CR group performed aerobic exercise training sessions. Patients in control only received advice regarding the exercise methods. After six weeks, both groups received follow-up GXT and FMD testing.
There were 16 patients in each group. There were no significant differences in the general characteristics between the groups. The VO2peak was 28.6±4.7 mL/kg/min in the CR group and 31.5±7.4 mL/kg/min in the control at first GXT, and was 31.1±5.1 ml/kg/min in the CR group and 31.4±6.0 ml/kg/min in the control at the follow-up GXT in six weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in VO2peak only for CR group patients. FMD value was 7.59%±1.26% in the CR group, 7.36%±1.48% in the control at first and 9.46%±1.82% in the CR group, and 8.31%±2.04% in the control after six weeks. There was a statistically significant improvement in FMD value in the CR group.
According to the results of GXT and FMD testing, six-week exercise-based CR program improved VO2peak and endothelial functions significantly. Thus, exercise-based CR program is necessary in patients with coronary artery disease.
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