Efeitos da reabilitação cardiovascular sobre a capacidade funcional de idosos com insuficiência cardíaca crônica: revisão de escopo

Abstract

Introduction: As we age, our functional capacity tends to decrease, and the heart is no exception. Structural and functional changes are common, particularly in older adults who also deal with conditions such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes. These comorbidities can worsen heart failure (HF), one of the main reasons for morbidity and hospital admissions. Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CVR) offers a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing physical exercise, health education, and psychological and social support. Objective: This study sought to compile and analyze the literature on CVR in elderly people with HF, focusing on functional capacity as a response to treatment. Methodology: The research was carried out through the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (VHL), and included databases such as MEDLINE, LILACS and IBECS. For the research strategy, specific descriptors were used: “heart failure”, “elderly” and “functional capacity”, which were associated with “cardiac rehabilitation” and “exercise”, following the PICO methodology (Patient-Intervention-Comparison-Result ) to formulate the clinical question. Results: Initially, 14 clinical trials in English were selected. After applying exclusion criteria, five studies remained. Published between 2014 and 2024, these surveys involved 424 elderly people, all aged 60 or over. Interventions ranged from six weeks to twelve months, with sessions lasting 60 minutes on average, two to five times a week, carried out in person or via videoconference. The exercises varied between conservative and experimental, aerobic or combined with muscular strength training. Conclusion: This study highlighted the critical importance of CVR in improving aerobic endurance, decreasing musculoskeletal fragility and extending functionality in older adults, reaffirming its central role in maintaining health and well-being at this stage of life.