Prevalence and Outcomes of Suspected Dysphagia in Elderly Inpatients Undergoing Cardiac Rehabilitation: A Single-Center Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

Swallowing dysfunction may complicate recovery in inpatients aged ≥75 years undergoing cardiac rehabilitation (CR). This study examined the prevalence of suspected dysphagia and its associations with physical function, activities of daily living, and discharge outcomes.

METHODS AND

RESULTS

This prospective single-center study enrolled 59 inpatients undergoing CR between May and December 2023. Patients were screened within 3 days of admission using the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10; score ≥3) or the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST; <3 swallows/30 s). Twenty-nine patients (49.2%) screened positive. At admission, patients with suspected dysphagia had lower handgrip strength (mean [±standard deviation] 15.19±7.20 vs. 20.01±7.24 kg; P=0.013), smaller calf circumference (median [interquartile range] 28 [26-31] vs. 31 [29-33] cm; P=0.002), and lower Short Physical Performance Battery scores (median [interquartile range] 4 [3-9] vs. 8.5 [5-12]; P=0.004). The discharge Barthel Index was also lower (median [interquartile range] 80 [50-90] vs. 85 [80-100]; P=0.037). Among patients admitted from home (n=57), non-home discharge/in-hospital death was more frequent in those with suspected dysphagia (25.0% vs. 6.9%; odds ratio 4.50), as was long-term care insurance certification (67.9% vs. 20.7%; P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Suspected dysphagia was common and associated with poorer physical function, lower activities of daily living at discharge, and greater care needs. Early swallowing screening may support discharge planning.