Impact of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation on Patients with Heart Failure Reduced Ejection Fraction and Preserved Ejection Fraction

Background/Objectives: The prevalence of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is expected to surpass that of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), yet it remains under-researched. Compared to HFrEF, patients with HFpEF have similarly poor survival rates, physical impairments, and quality of life (QOL) and similar improvements following exercise training. However, Medicare currently excludes coverage for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation (CR) for HFpEF. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of HF at baseline and the effects of CR in both subtypes. Methods: Ninety-nine patients (forty-three with HFrEF and fifty-six with HFpEF) who completed CR were included. Demographic data and outcome measures were assessed pre- and post-CR, including weight, body mass index (BMI), 5x-sit-to-stand (5xStS), timed-up-and-go (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Ferrans and Powers Quality of Life (F&P QOL), waist circumference, BERG balance, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Independent and paired t-tests were performed with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: At baseline, compared to patients with HFrEF, patients with HFpEF were older with a significantly lower 6MWT distance (350.6 m vs. 299.6 m), lower BERG balance scores (52/56 vs. 49/56, respectively), and a 5xSTS score indicating a fall risk (16.9 ± 6.5). Following CR, both groups had significant improvements in all functional and self-reported outcome measures (p < 0.001), with no significant differences between HF subtypes. Patients with HFpEF also had a significant improvement in waist circumference. Conclusions: Compared to patients with HFrEF, patients with HFpEF presented with similar or greater impairments and had similar or greater improvements following CR. These results underscore the effectiveness of CR for HFpEF management and the need for insurance coverage.