Text Messages to Promote Secondary Prevention after Acute Coronary Syndrome (IMPACS trial)

Abstract

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death and loss of cardiovascular health worldwide. 1 In Brazil, although age-standardized cardiovascular mortality rate has declined in recent decades, coronary heart disease also remains the leading cause of death. [2][3] The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, due to growing urbanization, is involved in this scenario. 4 The twentieth century has witnessed a remarkable evolution in the understanding of pathogenesis, treatment, and clinical consequences of coronary atherosclerosis. 5 Despite the progress that has been achieved, the risk of reinfarction or death after the first coronary event remains high. 6 Given the importance of secondary prevention after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), 7-9 several electronic health tools are available for use. Therefore, short message service (SMS) is a simple and low-cost alternative tool that enables encouragement of healthy living habits. 10