Article

Coronary risk factor control in Europe is suboptimal and there are
large variations in the nature of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes offered
to coronary heart disease patients. We aim to explore characteristics and risk
factor control in patients recruited from two neighbouring hospitals offering CR
with different content. Methods In a cross-sectional study,
1127 Norwegian
patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction and/or a revascularization
procedure attended a clinical visit and completed a questionnaire at 2-36 months'
follow-up. The hospital of Vestfold provides comprehensive CR, while the hospital
of Drammen provides mainly exercise-based CR. Results At follow-up, patients in
Vestfold performed more physical activity ( p = 0.02), were less obese ( p =
0.02) and reported better medication adherence ( p = 0.02) than patients in
Drammen. The perceived need for information and follow-up was higher in Drammen
than Vestfold ( p < 0.001). The CR participation rate in Vestfold was 75%
compared with 18% in Drammen. CR participation in Vestfold was associated with
higher prevalence of smoking cessation ( p = 0.001), lower low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol ( p = 0.01) and better medication adherence ( p = 0.02)
compared with non-CR, in adjusted analyses. No differences in diet, body weight,
or blood pressure control were found between CR and non-CR. Conclusions Vestfold,
with comprehensive CR, had a higher participation rate and more risk factors on
target than Drammen. Participation in CR in Vestfold was associated with higher
levels of smoking cessation and medication adherence, and lower low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol, but overall risk factor control is still deficient,
underlining the need for improved understanding of barriers to optimal risk
factor control.

Langue : ANGLAIS