Pilot study: supervised cardiac rehabilitation after aortic aneurysm repair

“Aneurysm CaRe”: A pilot randomised controlled trial of Cardiac Rehabilitation after aortic aneurysm repair

Aortic aneurysms, if left untreated, can rupture, causing internal bleeding and sudden death. Many patients with heart or circulatory disease are currently offered formal cardiac rehabilitation – particularly vulnerable patients who have had a heart attack or stroke. Experts in cardiovascular medicine have suggested that extending a programme of cardiac rehabilitation to other types of heart patients could benefit them greatly. Consultant surgeon Mr Peter Holt will be doing a very important 2-year research programme to understand the benefits of offering a formal cardiac rehabilitation package to patients who have had surgery to repair balloon-like swellings in the aorta – the main artery coming out of the heart. This swelling is called an aortic aneurysm. This pilot study, at St George’s, University of London, will assess the extent to which this patient group may wish to participate in receiving this care programme after their operation. Among a sample group that are willing, for 12 weeks the team of experts will give them a package of care that combines giving appropriate medicines supplemented with exercise, diet and lifestyle coaching. The researchers will assess changes in health, attitudes and quality of life. These results are particularly important because similar factors cause both aneurysms and heart disease. The findings will help to design a larger national study to help define best care for these patients.