Katarzyna Wilkosz*, Krystian Wita, Maciej T. Wybraniec, Marcin Wita, Joanna Fluder, Monika Malta, Jarosà ?aw Chmurawa and Andrzej Kubicjus
Background: The number of studies confirming the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) towards the reduction of mortality and morbidity has increased. On the basis of scientific evidence, we developed a care program in Poland for patients with myocardial infarction I (MC-AMI (in Polish KOS-zawał). There is a lack of data on possible improvement in long-term prognosis among women after acute myocardial infarctions (AMI), who were also involved with CR.
Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the male and female population who participate in MC-AMI, regarding major cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of death, recurrent myocardial infarction, and hospitalization for heart failure in a one-year follow-up.
Methods: This is a prospective research study from a single cardiology care centre. The study compares two groups: women and men who have agreed to participate in the MC-AMI program.
Results: As such, 529 patients were included in the study: 167 women and 362 men. In the 12-month follow-up, the incidence of MACE events was not statistically significantly, as observed in the study groups (11.38% vs. 11.33%; P=0.98). Cox multivariate regression analysis of the surveyed population also revealed that coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, and previous percutaneous coronary intervention was significantly related to the primary endpoint.
Conclusion: Women who participate in the MC-AMI program do not exhibit a worse prognosis following MACE, compared to men in 12-month follow-up. Given the benefits of the program, the percentage of women participating in the program should definitely improve.
