Early ambulation before percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction: a quasi-experimental study of haemodynamics and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

Early ambulation (EA) supports recovery in cardiovascular patients. Its effects on haemodynamic stability and clinical outcomes in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients before coronary angioplasty are unexplored.

AIMS: To evaluate EA's impact on haemodynamic stability and clinical outcomes in NSTEMI patients before coronary angioplasty.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two cardiac wards with 154 NSTEMI patients, assigned to EA (n = 77) or complete rest in bed (CRIB) (n = 77). Haemodynamic parameters, telemetry events (non-sustained ventricular tachycardia) and cardiac events (angina, reinfarction, dyspnoea and syncope) were monitored. Logistic regression assessed associations between EA and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between groups (p > 0.05). Haemodynamic parameters remained stable in both groups (p > 0.05). EA was associated with a 79% reduction in cardiac events (OR = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) (0.07, 0.60), p = 0.003) and a trend towards fewer telemetry events (OR = 0.27, 95% CI (0.07, 1.03), p = 0.06). EA also shortened hospitalisation by a mean of 49.56 hours (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

EA before coronary angioplasty is safe, reduces cardiac events and shortens hospital stay. These findings support structured nursing-led EA as part of routine acute cardiology care and highlight its role in promoting patient-centred recovery, efficient resource utilisation and potential cost savings for healthcare providers.