Muhammet Cihat ÇELİK, Mucahit YETİM, Macit KALÇIK, Abdullah SARIHAN, Mehmet Murat ŞAHİN, Abdülmelik BİRGÜN, Ömer Burak ÇELİK, Gamze Nur AHISKALI, Ceren Yağmur Doğru YILMAZ, Yusuf KARAVELİOĞLU
Journal of Medicine and Palliative Care - 2026;7(3):498-503
Aims: Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a guideline-recommended, multidisciplinary intervention that improves functional capacity and reduces cardiovascular risk. However, its effects on detailed body composition parameters remain less consistently investigated. Methods: This retrospective study included 452 patients (mean age 56.6+/-9.4 years; 54.2% male) with cardiovascular disease who completed a 12-week CR program comprising supervised aerobic and resistance exercise, nutritional counseling, and risk factor management. Laboratory tests and bioelectrical impedance analysis were performed before and after CR. Results: CR led to significant improvements in cardiometabolic parameters. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL levels decreased, whereas HDL increased nonsignificantly. HbA1c declined slightly (6.2% vs. 6.1%, p<0.001), and BNP decreased, while CRP showed no change. Body composition analysis revealed reductions in BMI (30.0 vs. 29.6 kg/m², p<0.001), body fat percentage (30.5% vs. 29.9%, p<0.001), fat mass (24.9 vs. 24.2 kg, p<0.001), and visceral fat ratio (12.1 vs. 11.8, p<0.001). Lean mass (55.7 vs. 55.5 kg, p<0.001) and muscle mass (53.1 vs. 52.8 kg, p<0.001) also showed small but significant declines. Hydration improved, indicated by a higher total body water percentage and lower extracellular-to-total water ratio. Conclusion: CR was associated with improvements in lipid profile, glycemic control, BNP, and body composition, with beneficial fat reduction and fluid redistribution but mild lean mass loss. These results confirm the metabolic benefits of CR while emphasizing the importance of incorporating structured resistance training and nutritional strategies to preserve muscle mass during rehabilitation.
