Assessing the Long-Term Impact of Cardiac Rehabilitation Programs on Morbidity and Mortality in Patients with HFrEF: A One Year Study in Egypt

Abstract Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) poses a sub-stantial public health challenge in Egypt, contributing to a sig-nificant proportion of reported deaths and prevalent risk factors in the population. The increasing incidence of CVD not only strains healthcare resources but also impedes economic produc-tivity, posing a significant developmental barrier. Aim of Study: This study is to assess the influence of cardi-ac rehabilitation on mortality and cardiovascular events in pa-tients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Furthermore, the research scrutinizes the correlation between patient experience and clinical outcomes, aiming to elevate comprehension of how the synergistic impact of cardiac reha-bilitation and comprehensive patient satisfaction leads to en-hanced management outcomes in HFrEF. Patients and Methods: This prospective study, conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022, involved 96 patients with HFrEF who completed a 12- week cardiac rehabilitation program (Group A) and 101 HFrEF patients without CR enrollment (Group B). Patients in Group A underwent medical assessment, tailored exercise regimens, risk factor modification, medication optimization, and psycho-logical support. Both cohorts were followed-up for one year for all-cause mortality and re-hospitalization. Results: Demonstrate a re-hospitalization rate of 5.2% among Group A and a significantly higher rate of 39.6% among Group B . One-year mortality was 1.04% in Group A compared to 8.9% in Group B. Patient satisfaction scores were notably higher in Group A, indicating the program's effectiveness in addressing physical and psychological needs. Conclusion: This study highlights the tangible benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in reducing re-hospitalization and mor-tality rates among HFrEF patients. The program's multifacet-ed approach, encompassing exercise, risk factor modification, medication optimization, and psychological support, contrib-utes to these outcomes. Furthermore, patients' satisfaction scores underscore the positive impact of CR on enhancing pa-tient experience. Cardiac rehabilitation stands as a cost-effec-tive intervention that significantly improves patient outcomes, making it a valuable pillar in the management of HFrEF and potentially serving as a model for similar contexts worldwide.