Open AccessOne-year follow-up of heart transplant recipient with cardiac rehabilitation
Author(s) -
Hee Eun Choi,
Chul Kim,
Se-Heum Park
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000019874
Subject(s) - medicine , rehabilitation , heart transplantation , heart failure , physical therapy , grip strength , cardiology , cardiomyopathy , interval training , cardiorespiratory fitness , aerobic capacity , cardiac function curve , vo2 max , heart rate , blood pressure
Heart transplantation (HT) is known to be the final therapy for patients with advanced heart failure; however, the exercise capacity of these patients remains under the aged-predicted value after HT. Many studies have described the effectiveness and safety of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in HT recipients. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up data of HT recipients undergoing CR are insufficient, and there is a lack of evidence on the long-term effects of CR. In this case report, we present the long-term benefits of CR in an HT recipient, including serial follow-up clinical data over 1 year. Patient concerns: A 48-year-old female patient underwent HT because of advanced dilated cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis: Cardiopulmonary exercise test showed reduced exercise capacity and pulmonary function. The grip power and quadriceps muscle strength were also decreased after HT. Interventions: The patient underwent a phase I CR program for 3 months, followed by a phase III CR program for 7 months. In the beginning, moderate-intensity continuous training was conducted. Thereafter, high-intensity interval training was implemented after a period of adjustment for interval training. Outcomes: The exercise capacity, 6-min walk distance, muscle strength, and vital capacity were improved after CR. Conclusion: CR in HT recipients may improve muscle strength and pulmonary function as well as exercise capacity, without serious cardiovascular complications. Phase III CR may help maintain exercise capacity in these patients.