CORONARY ANGIOPLASTY - A COMPARISON OF TWO MODELS OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION PROGRAMS.
S. Hooper* Knox Private Hospital, 262 Mountain Highway, Wantima. Victoria, 3125.
Current literature describes the lack of participation of patients post Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) in conventional outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs. Knox Private Hospital found, on commencement of interventional cardiology in 1996, that approximately 28% of eligible PTCA patients attended the four week day time cardiac rehabilitation program. A three week evening program, specifically targeting the PTCA patients, was established which increased attendance to 70% of eligible PTCA patients.
A comparison of risk factor profiles of patients attending the standard versus the evening programs was undertaken twelve months following PTCA.
These results were compared with results from a previous Heart Care day held in 1998 and with the 1997 Australia wide national figures collected through the Merck Sharp and Dohme Heart Care program.
A total of 122 patients were followed up. The results indicated similar results for both groups, although obesity and elevated cholesterol levels were greater for the evening group. Smoking status, exercise level and hypertension ( BP > 140/90 ) were similar for both groups.
Comparison with the national figures were favourable for smoking, exercise level and cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, the study has indicated that patients attending both the day and evening programs have similar risk factor profiles at 12 months following PTCA. Comparison with the 1997 national data indicates some success in risk factor modification may be enhanced through attendance at either program.
