@article{DobberkeBaritelloHadzicetal.2022, author = {Dobberke, Jeanette and Baritello, Omar and Hadzic, Miralem and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Eichler, Sarah and Salzwedel, Annett}, title = {Test-retest reliability of center of pressure measures for postural control assessment in older cardiac patients}, series = {Gait \& posture : official journal of Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) and European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children (ESMAC)}, volume = {92}, journal = {Gait \& posture : official journal of Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society (GCMAS) and European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children (ESMAC)}, publisher = {Elsevier Science}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {0966-6362}, doi = {10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.12.011}, pages = {359 -- 363}, year = {2022}, abstract = {Background Elderly patients are a growing population in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). As postural control declines with age, assessment of impaired balance is important in older CR patients in order to predict fall risk and to initiate counteracting steps. Functional balance tests are subjective and lack adequate sensitivity to small differences, and are further subject to ceiling effects. A quantitative approach to measure postural control on a continuous scale is therefore desirable. Force plates are already used for this purpose in other clinical contexts, therefore could be a promising tool also for older CR patients. However, in this population the reliability of the assessment is not fully known. Research question Analysis of test-retest reliability of center of pressure (CoP) measures for the assessment of postural control using a force plate in older CR patients. Methods 156 CR patients (> 75 years) were enrolled. CoP measures (path length (PL), mean velocity (MV), and 95\% confidence ellipse area (95CEA)) were analyzed twice with an interval of two days in between (bipedal narrow stance, eyes open (EO) and closed (EC), three trials for each condition, 30 s per trial), using a force plate. For test-retest reliability estimation absolute differences (\& UDelta;: T0-T1), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) with 95\% confidence intervals, standard error of measurement and minimal detectable change were calculated. Results Under EO condition ICC were excellent for PL and MV (0.95) and good for 95CEA (0.88) with \& UDelta; of 10.1 cm (PL), 0.3 cm/sec (MV) and 1.5 cm(2 )(95CEA) respectively. Under EC condition ICC were excellent (> 0.95) for all variables with larger \& UDelta; (PL: 21.7 cm; MV: 0.7 cm/sec; 95CEA: 2.4 cm(2)) Significance In older CR patients, the assessment of CoP measures using a force plate shows good to excellent test retest reliability.}, language = {en} } @article{ZochLesniakDobberkeSchlittetal.2020, author = {Zoch-Lesniak, Beate and Dobberke, Jeanette and Schlitt, Axel and Bongarth, Christa and Glatz, Johannes and Sp{\"o}rl-D{\"o}nch, Sieglinde and Koran, Iryna and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Salzwedel, Annett}, title = {Performance Measures for Short-Term Cardiac Rehabilitation in Patients of Working Age}, series = {Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation}, volume = {2}, journal = {Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Amsterdam}, issn = {2590-1095}, doi = {10.1016/j.arrct.2020.100043}, pages = {14}, year = {2020}, abstract = {Objective: To determine immediate performance measures for short-term, multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in clinical routine in patients of working age, taking into account cardiovascular risk factors, physical performance, social medicine, and subjective health parameters and to explore the underlying dimensionality. Design: Prospective observational multicenter register study in 12 rehabilitation centers throughout Germany. Setting: Comprehensive 3-week CR.}, language = {en} } @article{KatherHadzicHehleetal.2020, author = {Kather, Fritz and Hadzic, Miralem and Hehle, Teresa and Eichler, Sarah and Klein, Julia and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Salzwedel, Annett}, title = {Test-retest reliability of the Mini Nutritional Assessment- Short Form (MNA-SF) in older patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation}, series = {Journal of geriatric cardiology}, volume = {17}, journal = {Journal of geriatric cardiology}, number = {9}, publisher = {English China Online Journals, ECOJ}, address = {Windsor [u.a.]}, issn = {1671-5411}, doi = {10.11909/j.issn.1671-5411.2020.09.007}, pages = {574 -- 579}, year = {2020}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelReibisHeidleretal.2019, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Heidler, Maria-Dorothea and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Determinants of Return to Work After Multicomponent Cardiac Rehabilitation}, series = {Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation}, volume = {100}, journal = {Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation}, number = {12}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0003-9993}, doi = {10.1016/j.apmr.2019.04.003}, pages = {2399 -- 2402}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Objectives: To explore predictors of return to work in patients after acute coronary syndrome and coronary artery bypass grafting, taking into account cognitive performance, depression, physical capacity, and self-assessment of the occupational prognosis. Design: Observational, prospective, bicentric. Setting: Postacute 3-week inpatient cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Participants: Patients (N=401) <65 years of age (mean 54.5 +/- 6.3y), 80\% men. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Status of return to work (RTW) 6 months after discharge from CR. Results: The regression model for RTW showed negative associations for depression (odds ratio 0.52 per SD, 95\% confidence interval 0.36-0.76, P=.001), age (odds ratio 0.72, 95\% confidence interval 0.52-1.00, P=.047), and in particular for a negative subjective occupational prognosis (expected incapacity for work odds ratio 0.19, 95\% confidence interval 0.06-0.59, P=.004; unemployment odds ratio 0.08, 95\% confidence interval 0.01-0.72, P=.024; retirement odds ratio 0.07, 95\% confidence interval 0.01-0.067, P=.021). Positive predictors were employment before the cardiac event (odds ratio 9.66, 95\% confidence interval 3.10-30.12, P<.001), capacity to work (fit vs unfit) at discharge from CR (odds ratio 3.15, 95\% confidence interval 1.35-7.35, P=.008), and maximum exercise capacity (odds ratio 1.49, 95\% confidence interval 1.06-2.11, P=.022). Cognitive performance had no effect.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelWegscheiderSchulzBehrendtetal.2019, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Wegscheider, Karl and Schulz-Behrendt, Claudia and D{\"o}rr, Gesine and Reibis, Rona Katharina and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {No impact of an extensive social intervention program on return to work and quality of life after acute cardiac event: a cluster-randomized trial in patients with negative occupational prognosis}, series = {International archives of occupational and environmental health}, volume = {92}, journal = {International archives of occupational and environmental health}, number = {8}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {0340-0131}, doi = {10.1007/s00420-019-01450-3}, pages = {1109 -- 1120}, year = {2019}, abstract = {Objectives To examine the effectiveness of extensive social therapy intervention during inpatient multi-component cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on return to work and quality of life in patients with low probability of work resumption after an acute cardiac event. Methods Patients after acute cardiac event with negative subjective expectations about return to work or unemployment (n = 354) were included and randomized in clusters of 3-6 study participants. Clusters were randomized for social counseling and therapy led by a social worker, six sessions of 60 min each in 3 weeks, or control group (usual care: individual counseling meeting by request). The return to work (RTW) status and change in quality of life (QoL, short form 12: Physical and Mental Component Summary PCS and MCS) 12 months after discharge from inpatient CR were outcome measures. Results The regression model for RTW showed no impact of the intervention (OR 1.1, 95\% CI 0.6-2.1, P = 0.79; n = 263). Predictors were unemployment prior to CR as well as higher anxiety values at discharge from CR. Likewise, QoL was not improved by social therapy (linear mixed model: Delta PCS 0.3, 95\% CI - 1.9 to 2.5; P = 0.77; n = 177; Delta MCS 0.7, 95\% CI - 1.9 to 3.3; P = 0.58; n = 215). Conclusions In comparison to usual care, an intensive program of social support for patients during inpatient cardiac rehabilitation after an acute cardiac event had no additional impact on either the rate of resuming work or quality of life.}, language = {en} } @article{EichlerSalzwedelReibisetal.2017, author = {Eichler, Sarah and Salzwedel, Annett and Reibis, Rona and Nothroff, J{\"o}rg and Harnath, Axel and Schikora, Martin and Butter, Christian and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {24}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {3}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487316679527}, pages = {257 -- 264}, year = {2017}, abstract = {Background: In the last decade, transcatheter aortic valve implantation has become a promising treatment modality for patients with aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Little is known about influencing factors of function and quality of life during multicomponent cardiac rehabilitation. Methods: From October 2013 to July 2015, patients with elective transcatheter aortic valve implantation and a subsequent inpatient cardiac rehabilitation were enrolled in the prospective cohort multicentre study. Frailty-Index (including cognition, nutrition, autonomy and mobility), Short Form-12 (SF-12), six-minute walk distance (6MWD) and maximum work load in bicycle ergometry were performed at admission and discharge of cardiac rehabilitation. The relation between patient characteristics and improvements in 6MWD, maximum work load or SF-12 scales were studied univariately and multivariately using regression models. Results: One hundred and thirty-six patients (80.6 +/- 5.0 years, 47.8\% male) were enrolled. 6MWD and maximum work load increased by 56.3 +/- 65.3 m (p < 0.001) and 8.0 +/- 14.9 watts (p < 0.001), respectively. An improvement in SF-12 (physical 2.5 +/- 8.7, p = 0.001, mental 3.4 +/- 10.2, p = 0.003) could be observed. In multivariate analysis, age and higher education were significantly associated with a reduced 6MWD, whereas cognition and obesity showed a positive predictive value. Higher cognition, nutrition and autonomy positively influenced the physical scale of SF-12. Additionally, the baseline values of SF-12 had an inverse impact on the change during cardiac rehabilitation. Conclusions: Cardiac rehabilitation can improve functional capacity as well as quality of life and reduce frailty in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation. An individually tailored therapy with special consideration of cognition and nutrition is needed to maintain autonomy and empower octogenarians in coping with challenges of everyday life.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelReibisWegscheideretal.2016, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Wegscheider, Karl and Eichler, Sarah and Buhlert, Hermann and Kaminski, Stefan and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Cardiopulmonary exercise testing is predictive of return to work in cardiac patients after multicomponent rehabilitation}, series = {Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society.}, volume = {105}, journal = {Clinical research in cardiology : official journal of the German Cardiac Society.}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1861-0684}, doi = {10.1007/s00392-015-0917-1}, pages = {257 -- 267}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Return to work (RTW) is a pivotal goal of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in patients after acute cardiac event. We aimed to evaluate cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) parameters as predictors for RTW at discharge after CR. We analyzed data from a registry of 489 working-age patients (51.5 +/- A 6.9 years, 87.9 \% men) who had undergone inpatient CR predominantly after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI 62.6 \%), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG 17.2 \%), or heart valve replacement (9.0 \%). Sociodemographic and clinical parameters, noninvasive cardiac diagnostic (2D echo, exercise ECG, 6MWT) and psychodiagnostic screening data, as well as CPX findings, were merged with RTW data from the German statutory pension insurance program and analyzed for prognostic ability. During a mean follow-up of 26.5 +/- A 11.9 months, 373 (76.3 \%) patients returned to work, 116 (23.7 \%) did not, and 60 (12.3 \%) retired. After adjustment for covariates, elective CABG (HR 0.68, 95 \% CI 0.47-0.98; p = 0.036) and work intensity (per level HR 0.83, 95 \% CI 0.73-0.93; p = 0.002) were negatively associated with the probability of RTW. Exercise capacity in CPX (in Watts) and the VE/VCO2-slope had independent prognostic significance for RTW. A higher work load increased (HR 1.17, 95 \% CI 1.02-1.35; p = 0.028) the probability of RTW, while a higher VE/VCO2 slope decreased (HR 0.85, 95 \% CI 0.76-0.96; p = 0.009) it. CPX also had prognostic value for retirement: the likelihood of retirement decreased with increasing exercise capacity (HR 0.50, 95 \% CI 0.30-0.82; p = 0.006).}, language = {en} } @article{ReibisSalzwedelBuhlertetal.2016, author = {Reibis, Rona Katharina and Salzwedel, Annett and Buhlert, Hermann and Wegscheider, Karl and Eichler, Sarah and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Impact of training methods and patient characteristics on exercise capacity in patients in cardiovascular rehabilitation}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {23}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487315600815}, pages = {452 -- 459}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Aim We aimed to identify patient characteristics and comorbidities that correlate with the initial exercise capacity of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) patients and to study the significance of patient characteristics, comorbidities and training methods for training achievements and final fitness of CR patients. Methods We studied 557 consecutive patients (51.76.9 years; 87.9\% men) admitted to a three-week in-patient CR. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) was performed at discharge. Exercise capacity (watts) at entry, gain in training volume and final physical fitness (assessed by peak O-2 utilization (VO2peak) were analysed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) models. Results Mean training intensity was 90.7 +/- 9.7\% of maximum heart rate (81\% continuous/19\% interval training, 64\% additional strength training). A total of 12.2 +/- 2.6 bicycle exercise training sessions were performed. Increase of training volume by an average of more than 100\% was achieved (difference end/beginning of CR: 784 +/- 623 wattsxmin). In the multivariate model the gain in training volume was significantly associated with smoking, age and exercise capacity at entry of CR. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR as assessed by VO2peak was mainly dependent on age, but also on various factors related to training, namely exercise capacity at entry, increase of training volume and training method. Conclusion CR patients were trained in line with current guidelines with moderate-to-high intensity and reached a considerable increase of their training volume. The physical fitness level achieved at discharge from CR depended on various factors associated with training, which supports the recommendation that CR should be offered to all cardiac patients.}, language = {en} } @article{VoellerSalzwedelNitardyetal.2015, author = {V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Salzwedel, Annett and Nitardy, Aischa and Buhlert, Hermann and Treszl, Andras and Wegscheider, Karl}, title = {Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on functional and emotional status in patients after transcatheter aortic-valve implantation}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {22}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {5}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487314526072}, pages = {568 -- 574}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Transcatheter aortic-valve implantation (TAVI) is an established alternative therapy in patients with severe aortic stenosis and a high surgical risk. Despite a rapid growth in its use, very few data exist about the efficacy of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in these patients. We assessed the hypothesis that patients after TAVI benefit from CR, compared to patients after surgical aortic-valve replacement (sAVR). Methods From September 2009 to August 2011, 442 consecutive patients after TAVI (n=76) or sAVR (n=366) were referred to a 3-week CR. Data regarding patient characteristics as well as changes of functional (6-min walk test. 6-MWT), bicycle exercise test), and emotional status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were retrospectively evaluated and compared between groups after propensity score adjustment. Results Patients after TAVI were significantly older (p<0.001), more female (p<0.001), and had more often coronary artery disease (p=0.027), renal failure (p=0.012) and a pacemaker (p=0.032). During CR, distance in 6-MWT (both groups p0.001) and exercise capacity (sAVR p0.001, TAVI p0.05) significantly increased in both groups. Only patients after sAVR demonstrated a significant reduction in anxiety and depression (p0.001). After propensity scores adjustment, changes were not significantly different between sAVR and TAVI, with the exception of 6-MWT (p=0.004). Conclusions Patients after TAVI benefit from cardiac rehabilitation despite their older age and comorbidities. CR is a helpful tool to maintain independency for daily life activities and participation in socio-cultural life.}, language = {en} } @article{SkobelKamkeBoenneretal.2015, author = {Skobel, Erik and Kamke, Wolfram and B{\"o}nner, Gerd and Alt, Bernd and Purucker, Hans-Christian and Schwaab, Bernhard and Einwang, Hans-Peter and Schr{\"o}der, Klaus and Langheim, Eike and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Brandenburg, Alexandra and Graml, Andrea and Woehrle, Holger and Kr{\"u}ger, Stefan}, title = {Risk factors for, and prevalence of, sleep apnoea in cardiac rehabilitation facilities in Germany: The Reha-Sleep registry}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {22}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {7}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487314537916}, pages = {820 -- 830}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Aim To determine the prevalence of, and the risk factors for, sleep apnoea in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) facilities in Germany. Methods 1152 patients presenting for CR were screened for sleep-disordered breathing with 2-channel polygraphy (ApneaLink; ResMed). Parameters recorded included the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI), number of desaturations per hour of recording (ODI), mean and minimum nocturnal oxygen saturation and number of snoring episodes. Patients rated subjective sleep quality on a scale from 1 (poor) to 10 (best) and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Results Clinically significant sleep apnoea (AHI 15/h) was documented in 33\% of patients. Mean AHI was 1416/h (range 0-106/h). Sleep apnoea was defined as being of moderate severity in 18\% of patients (AHI 15-29/h) and severe in 15\% (AHI 30/h). There were small, but statistically significant, differences in ESS score and subjective sleep quality between patients with and without sleep apnoea. Logistic regression model analysis identified the following as risk factors for sleep apnoea in CR patients: age (per 10 years) (odds ratio (OR) 1.51; p<0.001), body mass index (per 5 units) (OR 1.31; p=0.001), male gender (OR 2.19; p<0.001), type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR 1.45; p=0.040), haemoglobin level (OR 0.91; p=0.012) and witnessed apnoeas (OR 1.99; p<0.001). Conclusions The findings of this study indicate that more than one-third of patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation in Germany have sleep apnoea, with one-third having moderate-to-severe SDB that requires further evaluation or intervention. Inclusion of sleep apnoea screening as part of cardiac rehabilitation appears to be appropriate.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelWegscheiderHerichetal.2015, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Wegscheider, Karl and Herich, Lena and Rieck, Angelika and Strandt, Gert and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Impact of clinical and sociodemographic patient characteristics on the outcome of cardiac rehabilitation in older patients}, series = {Aging clinical and experimental research}, volume = {27}, journal = {Aging clinical and experimental research}, number = {3}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {New York}, issn = {1594-0667}, doi = {10.1007/s40520-014-0283-2}, pages = {315 -- 321}, year = {2015}, abstract = {Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) seeks to simultaneously improve several outcome parameters related to patient risk factors, exercise capacity and subjective health. A single score, the multiple outcome criterion (MOC), comprised of alterations in 13 outcome variables was used to measure the overall success of CR in an older population. As this success depends on the older patient's characteristics at the time of admission to CR, we attempted to determine the most important influences. Methods The impact of baseline characteristics on the success of CR, measured by MOC, was analysed using a mixed model for 1,220 older patients (70.9 +/- A 7.0 years, 78.3 \% men) who enrolled in 12 CR clinics. A multitude of potentially influential baseline patient characteristics was considered including sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, duration of hospital stay, exercise capacity, cardiovascular risk factors, emotional status, and laboratory and echocardiographic data. Results Overall, CR was successful, as indicated by the mean value of the MOC (0.6 +/- A 0.45; min -1.0, max 2.0; positive values denoting improvement, negative ones deterioration). Examples of association with negative MOC values included smoking (MOC -0.15, p < 0.001), female gender (MOC -0.07, p = 0.049), and a longer hospital stay (MOC -0.03, p = 0.03). An example of association with positive MOC value was depression score (MOC 0.06, p = 0.003). Further associations included maximal exercise capacity, blood pressure, heart rate and the rehabilitation centre attended. Conclusion Our results emphasize the necessity to take into consideration baseline characteristics when evaluating the success of CR and setting treatment targets for older patients.}, language = {en} } @misc{PiepoliCorraAbreuetal.2015, author = {Piepoli, Massimo F. and Corra, Ugo and Abreu, Ana and Cupples, Margaret and Davos, Costantinos and Doherty, Patrick and Hoefer, Stephan and Garcia-Porrero, Esteban and Rauchi, Bernhard and Vigorito, Carlo and V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Schmid, Jean-Paul}, title = {Challenges in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases A review of the current practice}, series = {International journal of cardiology}, volume = {180}, journal = {International journal of cardiology}, publisher = {Elsevier}, address = {Clare}, organization = {European Assoc Cardiovasc Preventi}, issn = {0167-5273}, doi = {10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.11.107}, pages = {114 -- 119}, year = {2015}, abstract = {With the changing demography of populations and increasing prevalence of co-morbidity, frail patients and more complex cardiac conditions, the modern medicine is facing novel challenges leading to rapid innovation where evidence and experiences are lacking. This scenario is also evident in cardiovascular disease prevention, which continuously needs to accommodate its ever changing strategies, settings, and goals. The present paper summarises actual challenges of secondary prevention, and discusses how this intervention should not only be effective but also efficient. By this way the paper tries to bridge the gaps between research and real-world findings and thereby may find ways to improve standard care. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.}, language = {en} } @article{ReibisHuberKaroffetal.2015, author = {Reibis, Rona Katharina and Huber, Matthias and Karoff, Marthin and Kamke, Wolfram and Kreutz, Reinhold and Wegscheider, Karl and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Target organ damage and control of cardiovascular risk factors in hypertensive patients Evidence from the multicenter ESTher registry}, series = {Herz : cardiovascular diseases}, volume = {40}, journal = {Herz : cardiovascular diseases}, publisher = {Urban \& Vogel}, address = {M{\"u}nchen}, issn = {0340-9937}, doi = {10.1007/s00059-014-4189-8}, pages = {209 -- 216}, year = {2015}, abstract = {This study investigated the incidence of hypertensive target organ damage (TOD), control of cardiovascular risk factors, and the short-term prognosis in hypertensive patients under contemporary guideline-oriented therapy. A total of 1,377 consecutive patients (mean age 58.2 +/- 9.9 years, 82.2 \% male) with arterial hypertension were included in the ESTher (Endorganschaden, Therapie und Verlauf - target organ damage, therapy, and course) registry at 15 rehabilitation clinics within the framework of the National Genome Research Network. Cardiovascular risk factors, medication, comorbidities, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were assessed. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), left ventricular mass (LVM), left ventricular mass index (LVMI), and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were determined by two-dimensional echocardiography. The mean follow-up was 513 +/- 159 days. Changes in continuous parameters were tested by the t test, changes in discrete characteristics are presented by means of transition tables and tested with the McNemar test. The mean LVEF was 59.3 +/- 9.9 \%, both mean LVM (238.6 +/- 101.5 g) and LVMI (54.0 +/- 23.6 g/m(2.7)) were increased while relative wall thickness (RWT, 0.46 +/- 0.18) indicated the presence of concentric LVH. Of the patients, 10.2 \% displayed renal dysfunction (estimated GFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). The 1.5-year overall mortality was 1.2 \%. Compared with discharge, at follow-up the proportion of patients with blood pressure (BP) values < 140/90 mmHg decreased from 68.7 \% to 55.0 \% (p < 0.001) and with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) values < 100 mg/dl from 62.6 \% to 38.1 \% (p < 0.001). At follow-up significantly more patients displayed a GFR value of < 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (10.2 \% vs. 16.0 \%, p < 0.001). A significant proportion of hypertensive rehabilitation participants displayed TOD including LVH and renal dysfunction. Even after stringent BP reduction, a considerable increase in nephropathy could be found after 18 months.}, language = {en} } @article{SalzwedelNosperRoehrigetal.2014, author = {Salzwedel, Annett and Nosper, Manfred and Roehrig, Bernd and Linck-Eleftheriadis, Sigrid and Strandt, Gert and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Outcome quality of in-patient cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients - identification of relevant parameters}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {21}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {2}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487312469475}, pages = {172 -- 180}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Outcome quality management requires the consecutive registration of defined variables. The aim was to identify relevant parameters in order to objectively assess the in-patient rehabilitation outcome. Methods: From February 2009 to June 2010 1253 patients (70.9 +/- 7.0 years, 78.1\% men) at 12 rehabilitation clinics were enrolled. Items concerning sociodemographic data, the impairment group (surgery, conservative/interventional treatment), cardiovascular risk factors, structural and functional parameters and subjective health were tested in respect of their measurability, sensitivity to change and their propensity to be influenced by rehabilitation. Results: The majority of patients (61.1\%) were referred for rehabilitation after cardiac surgery, 38.9\% after conservative or interventional treatment for an acute coronary syndrome. Functionally relevant comorbidities were seen in 49.2\% (diabetes mellitus, stroke, peripheral artery disease, chronic obstructive lung disease). In three key areas 13 parameters were identified as being sensitive to change and subject to modification by rehabilitation: cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides), exercise capacity (resting heart rate, maximal exercise capacity, maximal walking distance, heart failure, angina pectoris) and subjective health (IRES-24 (indicators of rehabilitation status): pain, somatic health, psychological well-being and depression as well as anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). Conclusion: The outcome of in-patient rehabilitation in elderly patients can be comprehensively assessed by the identification of appropriate key areas, that is, cardiovascular risk factors, exercise capacity and subjective health. This may well serve as a benchmark for internal and external quality management.}, language = {en} } @article{VoellerGittJannowitzetal.2014, author = {V{\"o}ller, Heinz and Gitt, Anselm and Jannowitz, Christina and Karoff, Marthin and Karmann, Barbara and Pittrow, David and Reibis, Rona Katharina and Hildemann, Steven}, title = {Treatment patterns, risk factor control and functional capacity in patients with cardiovascular and chronic kidney disease in the cardiac rehabilitation setting}, series = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, volume = {21}, journal = {European journal of preventive cardiology : the official ESC journal for primary \& secondary cardiovascular prevention, rehabilitation and sports cardiology}, number = {9}, publisher = {Sage Publ.}, address = {London}, issn = {2047-4873}, doi = {10.1177/2047487313482285}, pages = {1125 -- 1133}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a frequent comorbidity among elderly patients and those with cardiovascular disease. CKD carries prognostic relevance. We aimed to describe patient characteristics, risk factor management and control status of patients in cardiac rehabilitation (CR), differentiated by presence or absence of CKD. Design and methods: Data from 92,071 inpatients with adequate information to calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on the Cockcroft-Gault formula were analyzed at the beginning and the end of a 3-week CR stay. CKD was defined as estimated GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Results: Compared with non-CKD patients, CKD patients were significantly older (72.0 versus 58.0 years) and more often had diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and atherothrombotic manifestations (previous stroke, peripheral arterial disease), but fewer were current or previous smokers had a CHD family history. Exercise capacity was much lower in CKD (59 vs. 92Watts). Fewer patients with CKD were treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but more had coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Patients with CKD compared with non-CKD less frequently received statins, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), clopidogrel, beta blockers, and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and more frequently received angiotensin receptor blockers, insulin and oral anticoagulants. In CKD, mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were slightly higher at baseline, while triglycerides were substantially lower. This lipid pattern did not change at the discharge visit, but overall control rates for all described parameters (with the exception of HDL-C) were improved substantially. At discharge, systolic blood pressure (BP) was higher in CKD (124 versus 121 mmHg) and diastolic BP was lower (72 versus 74 mmHg). At discharge, 68.7\% of CKD versus 71.9\% of non-CKD patients had LDL-C <100 mg/dl. Physical fitness on exercise testing improved substantially in both groups. When the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula was used for CKD classification, there was no clinically relevant change in these results. Conclusion: Within a short period of 3-4 weeks, CR led to substantial improvements in key risk factors such as lipid profile, blood pressure, and physical fitness for all patients, even if CKD was present.}, language = {en} } @inproceedings{NitardySalzwedelWegscheideretal.2012, author = {Nitardy, Aischa and Salzwedel, Annett and Wegscheider, Karl and Jawari, Amir and Buhlert, Hermann and V{\"o}ller, Heinz}, title = {Effect of cardiac rehabilitation on functional and emotional status in patients after transcatheter aortic-valve replacement}, series = {Circulation : an American Heart Association journal}, volume = {126}, booktitle = {Circulation : an American Heart Association journal}, number = {21}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {0009-7322}, pages = {1}, year = {2012}, language = {en} }