[Ambulatory heart groups after inpatient cardiologic rehabilitation]

In n = 1504 consecutive patients after inpatient cardiac rehabilitation, we investigate how many patients can be motivated to join a so-called outpatient heart group, which sociographical and medical variables influence participation, and whether participation in a heart group prompts a more health-orientated nutrition. Applying a special team-based motivation programme, almost 30% of patients undergoing cardiac rehabilitation under the pension insurance scheme for workers can be motivated to join a heart group, who otherwise can hardly be prompted to do so. About 75% of them still participate in the heart group 7 months later. Initial and continuing participation are more probable in patients of middle age, male gender, with previous PTCA, moderately or severely restricted left ventricular function, and--for patients up to the age of 55 years--in case of reintegration or expected reintegration into work life. Patients after heart valve surgery are significantly less liable to join a heart group than CHD patients. Seven months after cardiac rehabilitation, medium cholesterol values have less increased among participants of heart groups than among non-participants. This may indicate a more stabilized health-orientated lifestyle among members of heart groups.