ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, early mobilization and discharge after cardiac surgery have been recommended. However, many patients are anxious about returning to daily life soon after undergoing heart operations. To resolve this problem, an individualized rehabilitation plan for each patient is important. Rehabilitation programs must estimate the level of cardiac function in daily life. This study evaluated self-measurements of heart rate and blood pressure during home-based exercise training. METHODS: Thirty-six patients, 28 men and 8 women (mean age 58 +/- 19 years) who underwent cardiac operations were enrolled in this study. None of the patients experienced postoperative complications. Changes in heart rate and blood pressure during daily activities at home were measured by the patients. This data was then used to plan individual rehabilitation programs. RESULTS: The blood pressure rose from 114 +/- 17 to 139 +/- 21 mmHg (mean increase of 25 +/- 15 mmHg) when the patients were asked to walk up and down a set of stairs. Thirteen patients (36%) exhibited an increase in blood pressure of 30 mmHg or more while ascending the stairs. The patients' blood pressure returned to its pre-exercise level after 5 min. The heart rate rose from 84 +/- 15 to 113 +/- 14 beats/min (mean increase of 29 +/- 8 beats/min) during the exercise. During the home-based training period, the maximum blood pressure was 133 +/- 22 mmHg, and the maximum heart rate was 97 +/- 13 beats/min. CONCLUSIONS: The patients were very careful during their trial outpatient period, as this was their first post-cardiac surgery experience. Consequently, the degree of exercise at home was even more mild than in hospital. Self-measurement of heart rate and blood pressure was feasible. By referring to these measurements, the patients were able to monitor and increase their level of exercise. This post-cardiac surgery rehabilitation program is helpful for early returning to daily life activities.
