Effect of intense lifestyle modification and cardiac rehabilitation on psychosocial cardiovascular disease risk factors and quality of life

Behav Modif. 2006 Jul;30(4):507-25. doi: 10.1177/0145445504267797.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of the Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on psychosocial risk factors and quality of life in patients with confirmed coronary artery disease. Participants had previously undergone a revascularization procedure. The 84 patients self-selected to participate in the Ornish Program for Reversing Heart Disease (n = 507 28), CR (n = 28), or a control group (n = 28). Twelve psychosocial risk factors and quality of life variables were collected from all three groups at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. At 3 and 6 months, Ornish group participants demonstrated significant improvements in all 12 outcome measures. The rehabilitation group improved in 7 of the 12, and the control group showed significant improvements in 6 of the variables. Intensive lifestyle modification programs significantly affect psychosocial risk factors and quality of life.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Coronary Disease / psychology
  • Coronary Disease / rehabilitation*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myocardial Infarction / psychology
  • Myocardial Infarction / rehabilitation*
  • Myocardial Revascularization / psychology
  • Myocardial Revascularization / rehabilitation*
  • Quality of Life / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Support
  • Type A Personality*