CLINICAL EFFECT OF RESPIRATORY REHABILITATION NURSING INTERVENTION ON ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC PULMONARY HEART DISEASE AND HEART FAILURE: A FOCUS ON RETIRED ATHLETES

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of respiratory rehabilitation nursing interventions on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life among elderly patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease and heart failure, with a particular focus on retired athletes. Methods: This study enrolled 100 elderly patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease, including retired athletes, from Jianyang People's Hospital. Utilizing a randomized number table, participants were divided into two equal groups of 50. The experimental group received standard nursing care supplemented with specialized respiratory rehabilitation exercises, whereas the control group received only standard nursing care. The study measured changes in cardiopulmonary function and quality of life over a 12-week period. Results: Initial assessments showed no significant difference in cardiopulmonary function indexes and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores between the groups (P > 0.05). However, following the 12-week intervention, significant improvements were observed in the experimental group for left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), FEV1/FVC ratio, and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), with statistical significance (P < 0.001). These improvements indicate enhanced cardiopulmonary efficiency and physical capability. Moreover, the experimental group exhibited substantial betterments in symptom management, mobility, and overall impact of the disease on daily life, with significant differences in comparison to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Respiratory rehabilitation nursing interventions significantly bolster cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in elderly patients with chronic pulmonary heart disease and heart failure, including retired athletes. These findings highlight the value of integrating targeted respiratory rehabilitation exercises into the nursing care plan to elevate clinical intervention satisfaction and patient outcomes.