An analysis of published studies (a meta-analysis) of the effect of cardiac rehabilitation programs after heart attacks found that people who participated in such programs lived longer and had better quality of life than those who did not participate in programs (Article, p. 659).

The programs, called secondary prevention programs because they take place after an illness to prevent recurrence or progression of the disease, included education and counseling about coronary risk factors, education plus supervised exercise programs, and structured exercise programs alone.

Researchers found benefits associated with all three types of programs.

Overall, they positively affected risk factor profiles, such as blood pressure and cholesterol, improved functional status or quality of life for participants, and reduced subsequent heart attacks by 17 percent over a follow-up period of one year.

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for Nov. 1, 2005

Annals of Internal Medicine is published by the American College of Physicians. These highlights are not intended to substitute for articles as sources of information.

Susan Anderson
sandersonacponline
American College of Physicians
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