[Usefulness of relaxation techniques for patients with ischaemic cardiopathy: intervention in a health district]

To determine the effectiveness of a programme of relaxation used in primary care for patients with ischaemic cardiopathy (IC) through evaluation of the anxiety levels and the quality of life of these patients.

Controlled intervention study without randomisation.

Two primary care teams in the city of Sabadell.

Patients from 15 to 69 years old with IC: intervention group (IG), 57 patients; control group (CG), 47. Interventions. In the IG, conventional treatment and relaxation techniques (RT). In the CG, conventional treatment.

Degree of anxiety was measured by means of the STAI scale-questionnaire. Quality of life was measured by means of the SF-36 health questionnaire. Blood pressure and smoking were recorded.

At 12 months, 70% of patients practised relaxation at least for a short time. In the IG, anxiety dropped significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months, especially the anxiety characteristics scale, which was still significant at 12 months (P=.002). Quality of life at 3 and 6 months in the IG showed better scores in most dimensions except body pain. At 12 months, scores continued to be better than at the start (social function P=.012), except in the mental health dimension. No significant changes were found in blood pressure or tobacco consumption.

Our results suggest that an RT workshop in primary care is beneficial if correctly applied and leads to improved quality of life.