Objectives:

EuroAction is a European Society of Cardiology cluster randomised controlled trial of a nurse-led multi-disciplinary preventive cardiology programme which aims to manage coronary patients and their families to the European lifestyle, risk factor and therapeutic targets for CVD prevention.

Methods:

In each of six European countries, one pair of matched hospitals was randomised to intervention or usual care. All patients and partners were invited to attend the 16 week programme. Measurement tools included breath carbon monoxide, waist circumference, body mass index (BMI) and 7-day physical activity recall.

Results:

1060 (67%) patients and 637 (77%) partners attended the initial assessment and 895 (84%) patients and 438 (69%) partners the 16 week assessment. Achievement of risk factor, lifestyle and therapeutic targets at 16 week is presented as follows:

Table: Achievement of Risk Factor, Lifestyle and Therapeutic Targets at 16 weeks in Patients and their Partners

In patients, the proportion achieving LDL-cholesterol < 3 mmol/L: at 16 weeks was 80%. New diabetes was detected in 6% of patients, impaired fasting glycaemia in 19%, and 19% were already known to have diabetes. Proportions of patients taking cardio-protective medications at 16 weeks were: antiplatelet therapy 95%, beta-blockers 79%, ACE inhibitors 51% and statins 86%.

Conclusions:

The EuroAction programme enabled coronary patients and their families to stop smoking, reduce their weight and waist and increase physical activity. The programme additionally increased control of blood pressure and lipids to the European targets and also identified and managed new diabetes and impaired fasting glycaemia. Achievement of these lifestyle, risk factor and therapeutic targets will reduce risk of further cardiovascular disease.