Enhancing Quality of Life (QOL) And Cardiac Function in Heart Failure Patients Through Integrated Tele-Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation And Psychological Support: A Prospective Study
Ashish K Mohapatra, Ayad Alramadan
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.
