Introduction:
Evidence suggests that comprehensive lifestyle changes benefit coronary patients. However, long-term adherence to multicomponent lifestyle programs has not been sufficiently demonstrated.
Method:
We assessed adherence to the 4 components of an ongoing lifestyle modification program (diet, exercise, stress management, group support) at baseline, 3, and 12 months into the program. To date, 1679 participants (mean age 58 +/- 9; 50% female) with coronary heart disease (CHD; 51%) or elevated risk factors (e.g. diabetes, hypertension) have completed the 3-month follow-up, and preliminary data have been collected on 878 participants who have currently reached 1 year.
Results:
All results were significant at P <.001. Analyses indicated that patients were able to meet program guidelines at 3 months and maintained high levels of adherence at 1 year (see table). Further analyses indicate that over 74% of participants were able to meet or exceed 4 out of 6 program benchmarks at both 3 months and 1 year. Results by gender indicate similar results for both men and women. Results by cardiac diagnosis indicate that those with CHD entered the program with higher dietary and exercise adherence, though all participants, regardless of disease severity, evidenced similar levels of adherence.
Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that women and men with CHD and/or elevated risk factors can make and maintain comprehensive changes in diet and lifestyle over a 1-year follow-up period.