Long-term effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program in the control of cardiovascular risk factors

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to improve patients' functional capacity, as well as to educate them and to monitor their cardiovascular risk factors. Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with coronary disease over a 12-month follow-up period with regard to control of cardiovascular risk factors.Methods: This was a prospective study of patients diagnosed with coronary disease who completed an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program between January 2008 and December 2009 and who were not lost to follow-up. Patients were evaluated at an early stage (first medical consultation in phase II of the program) and 3, 6 and 12 months later, the following parameters being assessed: weight and body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, HbA1c in diabetic patients, blood pressure, smoking status and physical activity (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire). Results: In the sample of 256 patients (76.2% male, mean age 67 years), dyslipidemia proved to be the most prevalent risk factor (74.2%), followed by overweight (71.5%). There was a statistically significant improvement (p<0.05) in all risk factors studied at the end of phase II of the program, which was maintained at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, with the exception of body mass index (loss of statistical significance at 6-month assessment, p=0.92). Conclusion: This study highlights the need for cardiac rehabilitation programs in the context of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and the importance of implementing strategies that promote long-term maintenance of their benefits.

Cardiac rehabilitation program and health literacy levels: A cross‐sectional, descriptive study

“…This study's results confirm the same tendency as the sociodemographic characterization of the 103 participants in CRP: that the number of men was higher than that of women. This trend can also be seen at a national level (Magalhães et al, ; Ponikowski et al, ).…”

“…Incorporation of HL has been identified as an essential priority to healthcare quality and disease prevention (Aronis et al, ). Recent research results highlight the need for CR programs (CRP) in the context of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Magalhães et al, ). HL has a fundamental contribution to patient safety, increasing knowledge and playing a central role in patient experience and outcomes (Aronis et al, ).…”

“…A CRP presumes a multi‐disciplinary approach to integrate components for cardiovascular risk reduction and healthy behaviors, being an essential component in diseases, such as acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stable angina, and heart failure (Nichols et al, ; Soares et al, ). The aim of a CRP is to promote an early recovery after an acute event, in order to socially reintegrate patients (Magalhães et al, ).…”

Weight management telehealth intervention for overweight and obese rural cardiac rehabilitation participants: A randomised trial

“…Typically, CR participants only lose ≤2% of their body weight (Ades & Savage, 2017). These small weight losses are not usually sustained after CR (Magalhaes et al, 2013).…”

A Proactive Solution, using Wearable and Mobile Applications, for Closing the Gap between the Rehabilitation Team and Cardiac Patients

“…Major beneficial effects can be seen only after longer periods of time [32] and this requires complex solutions, not only a monitoring device which shows some training limits. One solution, proposed in this study, is to organise patients into communities, based on similar characteristics and profiles, and to inform each patient about how the other patients in his/her community are performing.…”