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Valvular Heart Disease and the Importance of Inspiratory Muscle Training in Cardiovascular Rehabilitation

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: Valvular heart disease (VHD) is a major cause of global cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Treatment is either surgical or transcatheter, as there is currently no conservative pharmacological approach. Cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) is indicated before or after invasive medical interventions to facilitate the patient's functional recovery. While CR is common practice for many cardiovascular conditions, guidelines specifically addressing VHD are lacking. Another gap concerns the use of inspiratory muscle training (IMT). This narrative review discusses the importance of routinely incorporating IMT into CR programmes, offering hypotheses and recommendations for setting IMT parameters from the perspective of the Italian Association for Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (AIRC). Further research is needed to improve our understanding of rehabilitation and VHD.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.119102

Authors: Bruno Bordoni, Bruno Morabito, Luigi Pianese, Gianmarco Cannadoro, Allan R Escher

Institutions: Don Carlo Gnocchi Foundation, University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center

Language: English

Topic: Cardiac Health and Mental Health

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7225259416