The Effect of Cardiac Rehabilitation on Left Ventricular Remodeling in Patients Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Plain-language summary

Cardiac rehabilitation has proven to improve the functional capacity of patients who had acute myocardial infarction. However, its effect on Left ventricular remodeling following an MI event treated with Primary PCI is not yet fully understood. So, for this randomized controlled trial our objectives are as follows: * Primary: To assess the effect of a structured CR program on LV remodeling parameters (LVEF, LVESV, LVEDV, LVESD, LVEDD + SWMA) in STEMI patients treated with primary PCI. * Secondary: To evaluate changes in exercise capacity, heart rate recovery and clinical outcomes such as major adverse cardiovascular events and the effect of CR on the patients' Quality of Life. These results will be compared to the same parameters in a control group that will not undergo cardiac rehabilitation to properly assess the effect of cardiac rehab. Participants in the intervention group will be asked to undergo a supervised CR program based on published guidelines (FITT principle). The core will be a moderate-intensity aerobic exercise regimen (e.g. treadmill or cycle ergometer) 2-3 times per week for 12 weeks. Each session will last \~20-60 minutes of exercise followed by cool-down, with intensity gradually increased to High intensity interval training (HIIT) in low-moderate risk individuals, as it has shown better improvement in cardiovascular health while being safe in MI patients. Resistance exercises (e.g. light weights or band exercises) will also be included twice weekly. Exercise dose (frequency, intensity, time) will be tracked. Physical therapists will supervise all sessions in an outpatient CR facility or affiliated gym. Patients' vitals and ECG will be monitored during initial sessions for safety.

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