BACKGROUND: Cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention is an integral part of the treatment of patient with cardiovascular disease to date, however the effect of this programs on systolic and diastolic function is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program on diastolic function and functional capacity in patients with myocardial infarction. METHODS: Twenty-nine post myocardial patient enrolled in this study, which was completed in cardiac rehabilitation group (15 men) and control group (14 men). Echocardiographic measures of diastolic filling and functional capacity by symptom limited exercise test based on naughton protocol on treadmill were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training. Data were analyzed using repeated analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) in p < 0.05 level. FINDING: After 8 weeks cardiac rehabilitation program, diastolic filling indicators did not change significantly (E velocity, A velocity, E/A ratio and deceleration time). But functional capacity increase significantly in cardiac rehabilitation group. But, functional capacity, resting HR and maximal HR improved significantly in the training group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that cardiac rehabilitation program for 8 weeks significantly improves functional capacity in post myocardial patients but diastolic function did not change significantly. It seems likely that the improvement in functional capacity largely pertain to non cardiac effects.

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