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Better knowledge improves adherence to lifestyle changes and medication in patients with coronary heart disease

Carin Alm-Roijer1, Martin Stagmo, Giggi Udén

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Malmö University Hospital, S-205 02, Malmö, Sweden. Carin.Alm-Roijer@skane.se

European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|December 2, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Understanding coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors is linked to better patient adherence to lifestyle changes and medication. This knowledge is crucial for effective CHD prevention programs.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Behavioral Science

Background:

  • Inadequate management of coronary heart disease (CHD) is common, with frequent failure to meet treatment targets.
  • Patients often struggle with adherence to lifestyle modifications and prescribed therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if patient knowledge of CHD risk factors correlates with adherence to lifestyle changes and drug therapy.
  • Investigating the relationship between risk factor awareness and achieving treatment goals in CHD patients.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire assessed general knowledge of CHD risk factors, compliance with lifestyle changes, and adherence to drug therapy.
  • 347 patients (<71 years) who experienced a cardiac event completed the study questionnaire.
  • Data analysis focused on correlations between knowledge and behavioral outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Significant correlations were found between CHD risk factor knowledge and compliance in areas such as weight management, physical activity, stress, diet, and lipid level goals.
  • Knowledge of risk factors also correlated with adherence to blood pressure-lowering medications.
  • No significant correlation was observed between general knowledge and blood glucose or blood pressure levels, smoking habits, or adherence to lipid/glucose-lowering drug regimens.

Conclusions:

  • Patient knowledge regarding CHD risk factors positively influences behavior in specific areas, including lifestyle choices and medication adherence.
  • These findings underscore the importance of incorporating patient knowledge assessment into preventive CHD programs.
  • Targeted educational interventions may improve patient outcomes in managing coronary heart disease.
Abstract

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