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.