Epigenetic mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation. An overview from the working groups of "cellular and molecular biology of the heart" and "cardiac rehabilitation and cardiovascular prevention" of the Italian Society of Cardiology (SIC).

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) have been demonstrated in patients after myocardial infarction (MI), and in patients with chronic heart failure (HF). The core components of the CR program include improvement in exercise tolerance and optimization of coronary risk factors (i.e.

Cardiac rehabilitation in women: state of the art and strategies to overcome the current barriers.

: Cardiac rehabilitation is able to reduce cardiovascular mortality, and improves functional capacity and quality of life. However, cardiac rehabilitation participation rates are low and the current evidence has demonstrated sex differences for the access to cardiac rehabilitation programs. In this review, we discuss the benefits of cardiac rehabilitation in women with a specific focus on ischemic heart disease, heart failure, cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery and after transcatheter aortic valve implantation, and peripheral artery disease.

[Functional evaluation of ultra-octogenarian patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation: correlation between six minute walking test and Rivermead mobility index].

Background: There is an increasing need for admission of octogenarians to cardiac rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) (scale of mobility) is related to the functional capacity assessed by the 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT).

Methods: We selected 108 consecutive patients > 80 years (M = 53, mean age 82.

B-type natriuretic peptide levels predict functional capacity in postcardiac surgery patients.

Objective: Plasma levels of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) are often increased in postcardiac surgery patients. The six-minute walking test (6MWT) is useful to assess functional capacity in postcardiac surgery patients. The aim of this study was to determine whether BNP levels are associated with exercise capacity evaluated by 6MWT in patients after cardiac surgery.

Relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide levels and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular filling pressures in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Background: B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in post-cardiac surgery patients, however the mechanisms underlying BNP release are still unclear. In the current study, we aimed to assess the relationship between postoperative BNP levels and left ventricular filling pressures in post-cardiac surgery patients.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 134 consecutive patients referred to our Center 8 +/- 5 days after cardiac surgery.

'Lone' increase in C-reactive protein after cardiac surgery: prevalence, clinical characteristics, in-hospital course, and prognostic value.

Background: Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is involved in the acute phase reaction after surgery, even though its clinical significance remains a matter of debate. We evaluated CRP levels in cardiac surgery patients without clinical or laboratory signs of infection.

Methods: We screened 737 consecutive patients referred to our center 8+/-5 days after cardiac surgery.

[Car driving after cardiac surgery: clinical aspects, regulations, and legal implications].

Background: Car driving is one of the most perceived problems by patients after cardiac surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cardiac surgery and median sternotomy on driving performance after a cardiac rehabilitation program.

Methods: Seventy-four consecutive patients, usual car drivers, admitted to our Cardiac Rehabilitation Center after cardiac surgery, were evaluated 60 days from discharge using a five-item questionnaire.

Bedside diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pleural effusion by a hand-carried ultrasound device early after cardiac surgery.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the potential value of hand-carried ultrasound (HCU) devices in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with pleural effusion (PE) after cardiac surgery.

Methods: Seventy consecutive patients were evaluated at bedside early after cardiac surgery, in the upright sitting position, using an HCU device on hospital admission and every 3 days until hospital discharge. The posterior chest wall was scanned along the paravertebral, scapular, and posterior axillary lines.