Dynamic assessment of cardiovascular system functioning indices and adaptive potential in patients after ischemic stroke during rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Stroke is the leading cause of primary disability, necessitating the search for new approaches to evaluating restorative treatment in patients with acute cerebrovascular events. Such approaches would facilitate the more effective implementation of medical rehabilitation measures. Studying of the dynamics of cardiovascular system dysfunction during ischemic stroke, determination of the potential for optimizing restorative treatment, and improvement of rehabilitation measures will enhance the clinical and social prognosis for patients, improve their quality of life, and reduce the incidence of complications and mortality. AIM: To evaluate the functional state of the cardiovascular system and its adaptive potential at the second stage of rehabilitation in patients after ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients aged 41 to 82 years underwent the second stage of rehabilitation after ischemic stroke, with an assessment of the functional state of the cardiovascular system. Holter electrocardiogram and blood pressure monitoring was performed on the first and tenth days of rehabilitation treatment. The analysis included blood pressure and heart rate. The changes in cardiovascular system function and adaptive potential were assessed using cardiovascular system function indices. RESULTS: An integral assessment of the functional state of the cardiovascular system demonstrated mobilization of the body’s adaptive capabilities during rehabilitation. A gradual decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure was noted, along with improvements in pulse pressure parameters, the functional change index, adaptive potential, Kerdo’s vegetative index, Robinson’s index, and endurance coefficient. A positive trend in cardiovascular system function was observed in 83.3% of cases (n=66). Women demonstrated better progress in circulatory system performance compared with men. CONCLUSION: During post-stroke rehabilitation, the use of integral indices to assess the functional state of the cardiovascular system is relevant and pathogenetically justified. A distinct positive trend in functional values and an increase in the adaptive potential of the cardiovascular system were observed, confirming the effectiveness of the rehabilitation measures taken. The proposed assessment methods may be useful for monitoring the effectiveness of rehabilitation in patients after ischemic stroke.