Enhancing Quality of Life (QOL) And Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients Through Integrated Tele-Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation And Psychological Support: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Herat failure (HF) is one global pandemic affecting millions of people across the globe. Patients with HF report decreased functional capacity, increased dyspnea and weariness, and a diminished ability to do daily tasks. In previous years there was much advancement in pharmacological therapy against heart failure. Several studies have shown that cardiopulmonary rehabilitation programs are safe and effective in improving functional capacity and quality of life while decreasing readmission rates and all-cause death in heart failure patients. However, heart failure patients' psychological status is often unknowingly neglected, leading to poor quality of life.
Methods: This prospective Study was initiated in May 2022, was conducted for 18 months, and was completed in October 2022. This study is a prospective study of heart failure patients, the effect of an integrated approach of tele-cardiopulmonary rehabilitation along with psychologist-guided psychological support enhancing the quality of life. The patients satisfying the inclusion criteria without exclusion criteria were randomized to intervention and control groups.
Results: The age group of the mean (years)+/- SD(67+/-14.4) in the Intervention Group and (66+/- 14) in the Control group. Both the groups comprised female participants, 63% in the Intervention group and 68% in the control group. The initial evaluation was done at the beginning of this prospective study. The follow-ups were done in 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. Clinical examination, 6-Minute Walk Test, peak VO2 evaluation in a cardiopulmonary exercise test, and echocardiography with LVGLS measurements. During the study period, it was noted that there were substantial improvements in LVGLS, 6-Minute Walk Test distance, peak VO2, and Quality of Life.
Conclusion: In Conclusion, based on the findings of this prospective study, the integrated approach of tele- cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and psychological support in heart failure patients has tremendous benefits and remarkable improvement in Quality of Life. As the life span improves, that leads to more heart failure patients presently and in the future. Along with pharmacotherapy against heart failure, telerehabilitation, and psychological support should be emphasized from the beginning of heart failure treatment to achieve a better quality of life. Considering the importance of Rehabilitation, through this study, it would not be wrong to suggest an additional pillar of heart failure treatment along with four other robust pillars in the guidelines.