Risk factor modification through nonpharmacological interventions in patients with coronary heart disease

Author(s): Falger, P. R. J., Bar, F. W. H. M.

Journal/Book: J Psychosom Res. 2000; 48: the Boulevard Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford Ox5 1GB, England. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 425-441.

Abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is still the main cause of death in developed countries. Because of improved treatment, many patients survive the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, which makes secondary prevention of CHD of major importance. Most risk factors responsible for the development and progression of CI-ID are associated with behavior. Therefore, interventions aimed at behavior change may contribute to risk factor modification and secondary prevention of CL-ID. The effects of separate risk factor modification efforts by means of randomized, controlled clinical trials of nonpharmacological interventions in patients suffering From CHD are reviewed. Interventions aimed at healthy lifestyles may stimulate smoking cessation rates, reduce elevated serum total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol concentrations, and favorably modify type A behavior in CHD patients. Moreover, reduction of coronary atherosclerosis has been reported after intensive lifestyle and exercise interventions, whereas exercise and type A interventions may also lead to reduced Ct-ID morbidity and mortality. As for hypertension and obesity, studies aimed at secondary prevention are lacking.

Note: Review Sebregts EHWJ, Maastricht Univ, Dept Med Clin & Expt Psychol, Postbus 616, NL-6200 MD Maastricht, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): coronary heart disease; nonpharmacological interventions; risk factor modification; secondary prevention; review; controlled clinical trials; ACUTE MYOCARDIAL-INFARCTION; A BEHAVIOR PATTERN; LIFE-STYLE CHANGES; ARTERY DISEASE; FOLLOW-UP; CARDIAC REHABILITATION; SMOKING CESSATION; PREVENTION PROJECT; STOPPING SMOKING; CARDIOVASCULAR-DISEASE

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