Implementation of a Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation and Symptom Scoring System in Patients with Inappropriate or Postural Sinus Tachycardia Referred for Sinus Node Sparing Hybrid Ablation

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) exhibit complex clinical profiles due to autonomic dysfunction. While sinus node sparing (SNS) hybrid ablation is emerging as a promising therapy, there are no established guidelines worldwide for post-procedure patient management and care is mainly based on telemonitoring. In contrast, our hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (HCR) program integrates inpatient care and home-based telerehabilitation. We aim to evaluate the implementation of the HCR program, patient acceptance and adherence, and the effectiveness of the Malmö POTS scoring system in monitoring disease progression and rehabilitation outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: Patients underwent a personalized HCR program after SNS. The program included early mobilization, psychological support, respiratory therapy, and structured exercise. Clinical outcomes were assessed using symptom burden (Malmö POTS score), ECG parameters, exercise duration, perceived exertion, and rehabilitation adherence. <b>Results:</b> All patients completed the inpatient phase, and 87% completed the home-based phase. In the early postoperative period, pericarditis, anemia, and benign rhythm disturbances were mild and self-limiting. The Malmö POTS score decreased from 65.3 to 25.7. Lower perceived exertion early in the program correlated with clinical improvement. At the 2-month follow-up, 81% of patients no longer met the clinical criteria for IST/POTS without the use of medications. The program was evaluated as safe, feasible, and well-tolerated, with high patient satisfaction. <b>Conclusions</b>: A well-organized hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program after SNS is feasible, safe, and well-tolerated in IST/POTS patients. The Malmö POTS score may support outcome monitoring. The integration of individualized training and telemedicine represents a promising development for patients post-SNS ablation. While this study demonstrates feasibility and potential benefits, further controlled studies are needed to evaluate its impact on long-term recovery and symptom control.

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Publication Details

Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-08-20
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14165879
Primary Topic
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
Type
article
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article

Implementation of a Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation and Symptom Scoring System in Patients with Inappropriate or Postural Sinus Tachycardia Referred for Sinus Node Sparing Hybrid Ablation

M Kornaszewska, Aleksandra Wilczek-Banc, Piotr Suwalski, Sebastian Stec et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
article

Implementation of a Hybrid Cardiac Rehabilitation and Symptom Scoring System in Patients with Inappropriate or Postural Sinus Tachycardia Referred for Sinus Node Sparing Hybrid Ablation

M Kornaszewska, Aleksandra Wilczek-Banc, Piotr Suwalski, Sebastian Stec, Antoni Wileczek, Mariusz Kowalewski, Ewa Piotrowicz, Magdalena Zając, Anna Ratajska, Natalia Ogorzelec, Bartosz Szkaradek, Michał Pastyrzak
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Patients with inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) exhibit complex clinical profiles due to autonomic dysfunction. While sinus node sparing (SNS) hybrid ablation is emerging as a promising therapy, there are no established guidelines worldwide for post-procedure patient management and care is mainly based on telemonitoring. In contrast, our hybrid cardiac rehabilitation (HCR) program integrates inpatient care and home-based telerehabilitation. We aim to evaluate the implementation of the HCR program, patient acceptance and adherence, and the effectiveness of the Malmö POTS scoring system in monitoring disease progression and rehabilitation outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: Patients underwent a personalized HCR program after SNS. The program included early mobilization, psychological support, respiratory therapy, and structured exercise. Clinical outcomes were assessed using symptom burden (Malmö POTS score), ECG parameters, exercise duration, perceived exertion, and rehabilitation adherence. <b>Results:</b> All patients completed the inpatient phase, and 87% completed the home-based phase. In the early postoperative period, pericarditis, anemia, and benign rhythm disturbances were mild and self-limiting. The Malmö POTS score decreased from 65.3 to 25.7. Lower perceived exertion early in the program correlated with clinical improvement. At the 2-month follow-up, 81% of patients no longer met the clinical criteria for IST/POTS without the use of medications. The program was evaluated as safe, feasible, and well-tolerated, with high patient satisfaction. <b>Conclusions</b>: A well-organized hybrid cardiac rehabilitation program after SNS is feasible, safe, and well-tolerated in IST/POTS patients. The Malmö POTS score may support outcome monitoring. The integration of individualized training and telemedicine represents a promising development for patients post-SNS ablation. While this study demonstrates feasibility and potential benefits, further controlled studies are needed to evaluate its impact on long-term recovery and symptom control.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 14(16)
Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz (PL), Maastricht University Medical Centre (NL), Nicolaus Copernicus University (PL), Mesko (Poland) (PL), Physiotherapy New Zealand (NZ), University of Bydgoszcz (PL), Jan Grodek State Vocational Academy in Sanok (PL), Ministry of Interior (IT), Ministry of Interior and Administration (PL), Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine (PL), Państwowa Akademia Nauk Stosowanych w Przemyślu (PL), IS practice (BE), Institute of Cardiology (PL), Angiologica (Italy) (IT), Foundation of Cardiac Surgery Development (PL), University of Zielona Góra (PL), Istituto Mediterraneo per i Trapianti e Terapie ad Alta Specializzazione (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Cardiovascular Syncope and Autonomic Disorders
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