Abstract
We explored the longitudinal changes in and maintenance of specific food groups among patients with ischemic heart disease who were following a cardiac rehabilitation program. We measured dietary intake of 19 food groups with a validated self-administered food frequency questionnaire before rehabilitation, postrehabilitation, and 6 months after baseline. A total of 186 participants provided data at baseline and postrehabilitation and 157 participants after 6 months. We identified a trend that the quality of most foods was improved and more heart-healthy foods were consumed in patients. Improvements were maintained after 6 months.