Rehabilitation for cardiovascular patients with Covid-19: A Review Study

This review discusses the exercise training that appear to be effective in cardiovascular patients with Covid-19.

Nowadays, cardiovascular diseases are the pivotal leading causes of death in the world. Given the change of the human lifestyle into a sedentary one, the number of people with cardiovascular disease is rising dramatically. Recently, Covid-19 disease has endangered people's health in many countries and put a lot of pressure on their health care system. It also has had a significant impact on the global economy. The main features of this disease are high transmission rates and mortality. Although the prime cause of death from Covid-19 is respiratory failure, some patients experience severe cardiovascular problems such as congestive heart failure. Although drugs and therapeutic interventions have improved considerably, it is still challenges in prevention and rehabilitation for these diseases, especially in people with Covid-19, and the search for new strategies continues. Cardiac rehabilitation is a set of medical procedures and exercise training that aim to improve the mental status, physical function and overall increase the quality of life. One of the most important parts of cardiac rehabilitation is prescribing exercise.

The keywords “Cardiovascular disease”, “Covid-19”, “Rehabilitation”, and “Exercise training” were searched out in databases, Science Direct, PubMed, Cochrane, Medline, CINAHL, SID, Iran Doc, and Magiran. Out of articles, 210 articles that were more relevant to the research topic were selected. After reviewing the studies thoroughly, 12 studies that were in line with the purpose of the study were selected and reviewed. Findings. Exercise training prescribed for cardiovascular patients has prescribed over the years ranges from prescribing one type of exercise for all to prescribing exercise for each patient individually based on risk factors, age, and functional status. Continuous aerobic exercise, periodic aerobic exercise, and strength training have been used in most studies. Less intensity should be used when prescribing these exercises to cardiovascular patients with Covid-19.

In general, considering the beneficial effects of rehabilitation training in cardiovascular patients, it seems that a rehabilitation program based on appropriate exercise training can be effective in reducing the complications and mortality of cardiovascular patients with Covid-19. But more studies are needed to get more information.