Comparison of cardiorespiratory fitness of post CABG patients who completed early recovery out-patient period (Phase 2) of Cardiac Rehabilitation Program compared to those who finished In-hospital period (phase I) using the Treadmill Stress Test (Neptet Protocol).

Cardiac rehabilitation is an integral part in the management spectrum of patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG). A recent study showed a marked 33% improvement in the exercise capacity after cardiac rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to compare the cardiorespiratory fitness of post CABG patients who underwent phase I and 11of cardiac rehabilitation (Group 11)as compared to those who finished only phase I of cardiac rehabilitation (Group I). There were a total of 7 patients with 3 patients in group I and 4 patients in Group 11. Baseline characteristics of Group I and 11showed mean age of 55 and 57 respectively and all were male. Majority of the patients in both groups have 3-vessel disease and have EF of more than 40%. Only 2 patients (50%) in group 11are diabetic while only 1 patient in both groups I and 11was a smoker. Heart rates both at 2 weeks post op and 6 weeks post op were both increased from baseline as compared during exercise but they were not statistically significant. This increase was corollary to the achieved exercise capacity at 6 weeks post op. Group II achieved greater exercise capacity during the 6 weeks post follow up.

Coronary artery bypass grafting patients who underwent phase II-out patient of cardiac rehabilitation showed trend
toward an increase in exercise capacity as compared to those who did not finish phase II of cardiac rehabilitation but this was not statistically significant due to the small number of participants.