This is one of the main findings of the Digital Cardiac Counseling study led by researchers from the department of cardiothoracic surgery at Maastricht UMC+. The results of this prehabilitation study are recent published in the renowned scientific journal JACCsimultaneously with presentation of the results at the largest international congress of cardiac surgery (EACTS) in Lisbon.
Heart operations
Heart patients requiring heart surgery are increasingly older these days and often face known risk factors such as smoking, obesity, anxiety, reduced lung strength and fitness. These factors increase the risk of adverse outcomes after surgery. It is known that guidance in advance – prehabilitation – can improve the physical and mental fitness of a patient. However, the impact on the development of serious complications after heart surgery was not yet clear. The Digital Cardiac Counseling study was the first in the world to investigate this. The effect of an innovative personalized program based on telemedicine was examined: in preparation for their operation, patients received remote care via an online audiovisual platform and guidance via teleconsultations from experts.
Decrease in heart problems
The study results showed two important yet unknown facts: postponing heart surgery for prehabilitation is safe and significantly reduces the number of serious complications up to a year after surgery. There was a risk reduction in the prehabilitation group of 8.8 percent, a decrease of 35 percent compared to standard care. In addition to the decrease in the number of serious complications, patients in the prehabilitation group reported an improvement in lung strength, less anxiety and depression. Half of the smokers had stopped smoking.
Digital platform
For this study, 394 patients were divided into two groups: 197 patients followed a personalized online prehabilitation program based on screened risk factors, 197 patients received standard care consisting of preoperative care and rehabilitation after heart surgery. The guidance program took place via an online platform where patients could complete questionnaires and receive teleconsultations prior to their surgery – for at least six weeks. In addition, the platform contained information and training modules on cardiovascular symptoms, smoking cessation, anxiety management, physical exercises, lung strength exercises and a diet program. After their surgery, all participants were screened three more times and closely monitored for the prevention of complications.
Routinezorg
Prehabilitation is currently not yet standard care in cardiac surgery. The results from the Digital Cardiac Counseling study are reason to do so, according to cardiac surgeon and principal investigator of the study Peyman Sardari Nia: “Our results show that prehabilitation as secondary prevention can reduce the risk of serious complications after heart surgery. In addition, patients gain more ownership over their health in this way and they are facilitated to do something about it in their home environment. Prehabilation would therefore be a good addition to current postoperative rehabilitation programs for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.”
Unlocking Hearts: The Digital Prehabilitation Revolution
Well folks, gather ‘round! If you’ve got a heart (and you better have; otherwise, we might need to send for a cardiologist), then you’ll want to tune in, because there’s some hot-off-the-press info from the realms of cardiac surgery. The Digital Cardiac Counseling study, masterminded by researchers over at Maastricht UMC+, has just dropped a bombshell of findings that could very well change how we approach heart operations. And let me tell you, it’s not just another “We found a new way to package your pills” kind of revelation!
Heart Operations: What’s Cooking?
Today’s heart patients are like fine wine—they’re aging and often come with a few extra barrels of risk. With factors like smoking, obesity, and anxiety in the mix, you’d think heart surgery was some kind of ninja obstacle course rather than a life-saving operation. But fear not! Prehabilitation—the process of prepping these patients mentally and physically—has shown promise. This study was the first of its kind to explore how a little digital TLC could make a significant difference.
Results That Make You Go “Hmm…”
So, what did the researchers discover? Hold onto your stethoscopes, because they found that putting off heart surgery for a bit to get patients into prehab is both safe and downright beneficial. Shocking, right? Patients in the prehabilitation group experienced an 8.8% risk reduction for serious complications—think of it as slashing complications by a stunning 35% compared to those receiving standard care. Not too shabby, eh? But wait, there’s more! These patients reported feeling sprightlier, with substantial improvements in lung strength and mental well-being. You’d think they discovered the fountain of youth!
The Digital Revolution: Click, Get Fit, Save a Heart
The participants in this study were broken down into two squads—akin to superheroes in brightly colored suits. One group embarked on a personalized online prehabilitation journey, while the other just coped with standard care. Over 394 patients participated, conquering questionnaires and engaging in teleconsultations like pros, prepping for at least six weeks before the big day. Imagine a Netflix binge, but instead of ‘Stranger Things,’ you’re watching how to manage anxiety and strength exercises. Riveting stuff!
Prehabilitation: The Future is Now
Now, here’s the kicker: prehabilitation is **not yet** a standard practice in cardiac surgery. It’s like having a fabulous secret menu at your favorite diner that no one knows about! Dr. Peyman Sardari Nia, the chief investigator, is here to start a revolution. His mantra? Prehabilitation as a form of secondary prevention isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential! By empowering patients to take ownership of their health, we get one step closer to a reality where heart surgeries will become seamless operations rather than minefields of post-op complications.
So, dear readers, if you happen to be prepping for a heart operation or know someone who is, remember this: a little prehabilitation could just be your golden ticket to recovery. And who wouldn’t want a little extra heart power, right? Now, go forth and spread the word—because if we can improve heart health with a sprinkle of digital magic and some patient empowerment, we might just save a few hearts after all!
