The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Overview

Cardiac rehabilitation has proven to improve the functional capacity of patients who had acute myocardial infarction. However, its effect on Left ventricular remodeling following an MI event treated with Primary PCI is not yet fully understood. So, for this randomized controlled trial our objectives are as follows: * Primary: To assess the effect of a structured CR program on LV remodeling parameters (LVEF, LVESV, LVEDV, LVESD, LVEDD + SWMA) in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. * Secondary: To evaluate changes in exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and clinical outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events and the effect of CR on the patients' Quality of Life. These results will be compared to the same parameters in a control group that will not undergo cardiac rehabilitation to properly assess the effect of cardiac rehab. Participants in the intervention group will be asked to undergo a supervised CR program based on published guidelines (FITT principle). The core will be a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise regimen (e.g. treadmill or cycle ergometer) 2-3 times per week for 12 weeks. Each session will last \~20-60 minutes of exercise followed by cool-down, with intensity gradually increased to High intensity interval training (HIIT) in low-moderate risk individuals, as it has shown better improvement in cardiovascular health while being safe in MI patients. Resistance exercises (e.g. light weights or band exercises) will also be included twice weekly. Exercise dose (frequency, intensity, time) will be tracked. Physical therapists will supervise all sessions in an outpatient CR facility or affiliated gym. Patients' vitals and ECG will be monitored during initial sessions for safety.

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is the gold standard for reperfusion therapy in STEMI, significantly improving survival rates. However, adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling post-STEMI can lead to heart failure, poor clinical outcomes and deterioration in patients' quality of life. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a multidisciplinary intervention designed to optimize cardiovascular recovery. It involves a spectrum of interventions including a structured exercise program, patient education, nutritional counseling, risk factor modification and psychosocial support. CR is divided into 4 stages. Stage I is in-hospital exercise (early mobilization and patient education). Stage II is early outpatient supervised rehabilitation in rehabilitation centers lasting 3 months post-PCI. Stage III starts at 3-12 months and is usually home-based rehabilitation with frequent visits to rehabilitation centers. Stage IV is long term rehab where the patient continues to exercise and commit to a healthy lifestyle to prevent further episodes of cardiovascular disease. Research has shown that stage II is the most crucial of them all, and starting during early in-hospital setting has shown no further improvement in cardiovascular health. Exercise-based programs, have especially shown beneficial effects on LV function post-AMI, improving exercise capacity and potentially limiting adverse remodeling process. It has been reported that supervised exercise training after STEMI significantly increased LVEF and reduced the rate of unfavorable remodeling at 6 months compared to usual care. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in post-treatment LV mass, EF, and LV dimensions relative to pretreatment. It has also been suggested that early initiation of CR may reduce systemic inflammation and promote favorable ventricular remodeling. However, other studies have shown that CR may not have a clinically significant improvement in LV parameters despite the overall improvement in patient's exercise capacity , but these studies were performed with a small sample size. Other trials have shown mixed results, with some showing favorable remodeling after exercise therapy, and some showing no improvement in cardiac dimensions. Another study mentioned that CR may have a positive effect on LV diastolic dysfunction, without any change to LV dimensions. As such, the exact impact of CR on LV remodeling specifically in primary PCI-treated STEMI patients requires further clarification, especially with recent evidence highlighting its potential benefits. Such controversy provides adequate foundation to further research this topic with a larger sample size, inclusion of both sexes, with individualization of exercise protocols based on each patient's tolerance.