Integrative Cardiac Rehabilitation Role of Exercise Therapy and Medicinal Plants in Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are still a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the world and organized cardiac rehabilitation is crucial to enhance functional and metabolic outcomes.

Objective: To compare the effects of exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation alone versus exercise therapy combined with standardized medicinal plant supplementation on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methodology: The study was carried out as a prospective observational cohort study for a period of 24 months (January 2024–December 2025). Thirty-three patients were registered, and 290 were followed up. Participants were divided into two groups: exercise group and integrative rehabilitation group (exercise therapy plus garlic, ginger and green tea extracts). Functional, cardiac, metabolic and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. Data were analyzed by t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA and multivariable regression.

Results: At 12 months, the integrative group showed greater improvement in 6MWD (412.76 ± 70.15 m vs. 362.18 ± 68.42 m), METs (7.41 ± 1.12 vs. 6.12 ± 1.08), and LVEF (49.87 ± 6.42% vs. 45.32 ± 6.51%). LDL was lower (102.35 ± 21.88 mg/dL vs. 118.62 ± 22.41 mg/dL), HDL was higher (47.64 ± 8.45 mg/dL vs. 41.28 ± 8.12 mg/dL), and readmission rates were reduced (12.41% vs. 23.45%).

Conclusion: Integrative cardiac rehabilitation demonstrates superior functional, metabolic, and clinical outcomes compared to exercise therapy alone.