(P237) EFFECTS OF POST-MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION CARDIAC REHABILITATION ON HOSPITALIZATION RATES AND MORTALITY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in the post-myocardial infarction patient management. This study aims to assess the impact of cardiac rehabilitation in patients who have suffered myocardial infarction at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), while also examining the referral rate.

METHODS AND RESULTS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients admitted to the CHUS for myocardial infarction between 2010 and 2019. Patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent the cardiac rehabilitation and those who did not. Hospitalizations for all causes and cardiac-related admissions were evaluated at 1 year and 5 years post-infarction. Additionally, all-cause mortality at 5 years was analyzed. Among the 1397 eligible patients, 26% participated in the rehabilitation program. Patients in the rehabilitation group showed a significant reduction of 42% in all-cause hospitalizations at 1 year (IRR = 0.58 [0.43 - 0.78]; p < 0.0001) and 38% at 5 years (IRR = 0.62 [0.51 - 0.76]; p < 0.0001). Although the reduction in cardiac-related hospitalizations did not reach statistical significance, a declining trend was noted. Moreover, a notable 55% decrease in all-cause mortality at 5 years was observed in the rehabilitation group (OR = 0.45 [0.31 - 0.64]; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that post-myocardial infarction cardiac rehabilitation is linked to decreased all-cause hospitalizations and long-term mortality, rendering it a cost-effective intervention. Despite certain limitations, these results underscore the importance of promoting and facilitating access to cardiac rehabilitation. Optimizing the referral and participation rate in the rehabilitation program is crucial for maximizing the clinical and economic benefits of this intervention. Strategies aimed at improving accessibility and awareness of cardiac rehabilitation programs are imperative to achieve optimal patient outcomes.