| Abstract | AIM: To investigate effects of electrostimulation of the skeletal muscles (EMS) on vegetative status and arrhythmogenesis in patients with chronic cor pulmonale (CCP).
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 101 CCP patients (age 59 +/- 1.2 years) were examined with loading tests, 24-h ECG and blood pressure monitoring to assess disturbances and variability of cardiac rhythm, blood pressure. The study group patients (n = 54) have undergone EMS of large skeletal muscles in addition to standard rehabilitation. The control group (n = 47) received standard treatment.
RESULTS: A course of EMS raised strength of the muscles of the upper and lower limbs and exercise tolerance of the lower limb muscles in the study group, bicycle exercise and 6-min walk tolerance, reduced the number of atrial and ventricular extrasystoles. The test group lowered the low-frequency component at night (p = 0.021) and in maximal spectrum power reflecting enhancement of parasympathetic activity in this time.
CONCLUSION: EMS had no arrhythmogenic action, but had a positive effect on vegetative status of CCP patients. |
