Open AccessSix‐Month Patient Outcomes in a Preventive Cardiology Center
Author(s) -
Calfas Karen J.,
Criqui Michael H.,
Sallis James F.,
Langer Robert D.,
Rupp Joan W.,
Kashani Iraj A.,
McCann Theresa J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
preventive cardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1751-7141
pISSN - 1520-037X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1520-037x.2001.90808.x
Subject(s) - calorie , medicine , blood pressure , body mass index , saturated fat , physical therapy , cholesterol
More effective ways to improve lifestyle behaviors need to be developed. Two hundred forty adult patients at a preventive cardiology clinic were randomly assigned to receive either one or five sessions of behavioral instruction to improve cardiovascular risk behaviors. Results for 102 patients from 6‐month follow‐up data revealed few significant differences between the two groups. However, in the two groups combined, there were significant reductions in total calories, percent of calories from total fat, percent of calories from saturated and monounsaturated fat, and dietary cholesterol. Reductions were also found in systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, body mass index, and weight. In multiple regression analyses, changes in physiologic variables were primarily associated with baseline and demographic characteristics. Changes in total calories, percent of calories from polyunsaturated fat, and walking were predicted by changes in social support or knowledge. Although most patients improved, the intensity of behavior change instruction was not related to the amount of change in cardiovascular risk factors.