Evaluating and Treating Frailty in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

The benefits of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are well-suited to counteract the deficits of frailty such as sarcopenia, inactivity, fatigue, cognitive decline, and depression. After a cardiovascular hospitalization, older patients are at increased risk for deconditioning and functional decline and thus should be evaluated for frailty and targeted for early CR referral. At the initial CR visit, frail older patients should undergo a 6-minute walk test and short physical performance battery to tailor their aerobic and resistance exercise plan, and they should be screened for geriatric impairments and environmental barriers to facilitate their participation in centre-based or home-based CR.

Keywords: 6-Minute walk test; Cardiac rehabilitation; Frail elderly; Short physical performance battery.