title: The effects of Hartcoach, a life style intervention provided by telephone on the reduction of coronary risk factors: a randomised trial A mobile phone intervention increases physical activity in people with cardiovascular disease: Results from the HEART randomized controlled trial Telemonitoring and Mobile Phone-Based Health Coaching Among Finnish Diabetic and Heart Disease Patients: Randomized Controlled Trial A Web-Based Program Improves Physical Activity Outcomes in a Primary Care Angina Population: Randomized Controlled Trial The Impact of Text Messaging on Medication Adherence and Exercise Among Postmyocardial Infarction Patients: Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial Smartphone-based home care model improved use of cardiac rehabilitation in postmyocardial infarction patients: results from a randomised controlled trial Four-year follow-up of the Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events randomized controlled trial Choice of Health Options in Prevention of Cardiovascular Events (CHOICE) Replication Study. The Extensive Lifestyle Management Intervention (ELMI) after cardiac rehabilitation: a 4-year randomized controlled trial. How many patients with coronary heart disease are not achieving their risk-factor targets? Experience in Victoria 1996-1998 versus 1999-2000. Text Message and Internet Support for Coronary Heart Disease Self-Management: Results From the Text4Heart Randomized Controlled Trial Effect of Lifestyle-Focused Text Messaging on Risk Factor Modification in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Improving outcomes after myocardial infarction: a randomized controlled trial evaluating effects of a telephone follow-up intervention One-year follow-up of a therapeutic lifestyle intervention targeting cardiovascular disease risk Effects of interactive patient smartphone support app on drug adherence and lifestyle changes in myocardial infarction patients: A randomized study. How much do the benefits cost? Effects of a home-based training programme on cardiovascular fitness, quality of life, programme cost and adherence for patients with coronary disease Does Outpatient Telephone Coaching Add to Hospital Quality Improvement Following Hospitalization for Acute Coronary Syndrome? Coaching patients with coronary heart disease to achieve the target cholesterol: a method to bridge the gap between evidence-based medicine and the "real world"--randomized controlled trial. Utilization of the internet to deliver cardiac rehabilitation at a distance: a pilot study. Digital health intervention during cardiac rehabilitation: A randomized controlled trial Effect of a Telephone-Delivered Coronary Heart Disease Secondary Prevention Program (ProActive Heart) on Quality of Life and Health Behaviours: Primary Outcomes of a Randomised Controlled Trial Clinical trial of an Internet-based case management system for secondary prevention of heart disease. Impact of pharmacy counseling on compliance and effectiveness of combination lipid-lowering therapy in patients undergoing coronary artery revascularization: a randomized, controlled trial. Adherence, adaptation and acceptance of elderly chronic heart failure patients to receiving healthcare via telephone-monitoring. Outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation with versus without a follow-up intervention rendered by telephone (Luebeck follow-up trial): overall and gender-specific effects The Extensive Lifestyle Management Intervention (ELMI) following cardiac rehabilitation trial. A home-based maintenance exercise program after center-based cardiac rehabilitation: effects on blood lipids, body composition, and functional capacity. Cardiac telerehabilitation: A novel cost-efficient care delivery strategy that can induce long-term health benefits The effect of a telephone follow-up intervention on illness perception and lifestyle after myocardial infarction in China: a randomized controlled trial. CONSORT 2010 Statement: updated guidelines for reporting parallel group randomised trials Evaluation of a Telemedicine Service for the Secondary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease Choice of secondary prevention improves risk factors after acute coronary syndrome: 1-year follow-up of the CHOICE (Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events) randomised controlled trial
abstract: Background Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is the leading cause of death worldwide . Secondary prevention is essential , but participation rates for cardiac rehabilitation are low . Furthermore , current programmes do not accomplish that patients with CVD change their lifestyle in a way that their individual risk factors for recurrent events decrease , therefore more effective interventions are needed . In this study , the effectiveness of the Hartcoach-programme , a telephonic secondary prevention program focussing on self management , is studied . Methods / design A multicenter , r and omised parallel-group study is being conducted . Participants are 400 patients with acute myocardial infa rct ion ( STEMI , NSTEMI , ) and patients with chronic or unstable angina pectoris ( IAP ) . Patients are recruited through the participating hospitals and r and omly assigned to the experimental group ( Hartcoach-programme plus usual care ) or the control group ( usual care).The Hartcoach-programme consists of a period of six months during which the coach contacts the patient every four to six weeks by telephone . Coaches train patients to take responsibility for the achievement and maintenance of the defined target levels for their particular individual modifiable risk factors . Target levels and treatment goals are agreed by the nurse and patient together . Data collection is blinded and occurs at baseline and after 26 weeks ( post-intervention ) . Primary outcome is change in cardiovascular risk factors ( cholesterol , body mass index , waist circumference , blood pressure , physical activity and diet ) . Secondary outcomes include chances in glucose , HbA1c , medication adherence , self-management and quality of life . Discussion This study evaluates the effects of the Hartcoach-programme on the reduction of individual risk factors of patients with CVDs . Patients who are not invited to follow a hospital based rehabilitation programme or patients who are unable to adhere to such a programme , may be reached by this home based Hartcoach-programme . If positive results are found , the implementation of the Hartcoach-programme will be extended , having implication s for the management of many people with CVD.Trial registration Aim To determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a mobile phone intervention to improve exercise capacity and physical activity behaviour in people with ischaemic heart disease ( IHD ) . Methods and results In this single-blind , parallel , two-arm , r and omized controlled trial adults ( n = 171 ) with IHD were r and omized to receive a mobile phone delivered intervention  ( HEART ; n = 85 ) plus usual care , or usual care alone ( n = 86 ) . Adult participants aged 18 years or more , with a diagnosis of IHD , were clinical ly stable as out patients , able to perform exercise , able to underst and and write English , and had access to the Internet . The HEART ( Heart Exercise And Remote Technologies ) intervention involved a personalized , automated package of text messages and a secure website with video messages aim ed at increasing exercise behaviour , delivered over 24 weeks . All participants were able to access usual community-based cardiac rehabilitation , which involves encouragement of physical activity and an offer to join a local cardiac support club . All outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24 weeks and included peak oxygen uptake ( PVO2 ; primary outcome ) , self-reported physical activity , health-related quality of life , self-efficacy and motivation ( secondary outcomes ) . Results showed no differences in PVO2 between the two groups ( difference −0.21 ml kg−1 min−1 , 95 % CI : −1.1 , 0.7 ; p = 0.65 ) at 24 weeks . However significant treatment effects were observed for selected secondary outcomes , including leisure time physical activity ( difference 110.2 min/week , 95 % CI : −0.8 , 221.3 ; p = 0.05 ) and walking ( difference 151.4 min/week , 95 % CI : 27.6 , 275.2 ; p = 0.02 ) . There were also significant improvements in self-efficacy to be active ( difference 6.2 % , 95 % CI : 0.2 , 12.2 ; p = 0.04 ) and the general health domain of the SF36 ( difference 2.1 , 95 % CI : 0.1 , 4.1 ; p = 0.03 ) at 24 weeks . The HEART programme was considered likely to be cost-effective for leisure time activity and walking . Conclusions A mobile phone intervention was not effective at increasing exercise capacity over and above usual care . The intervention was effective and probably cost-effective for increasing physical activity and may have the potential to augment existing cardiac rehabilitation services Background There is a strong will and need to find alternative models of health care delivery driven by the ever-increasing burden of chronic diseases . Objective The purpose of this 1-year trial was to study whether a structured mobile phone-based health coaching program , which was supported by a remote monitoring system , could be used to improve the health-related quality of life ( HRQL ) and /or the clinical measures of type 2 diabetes and heart disease patients . Methods A r and omized controlled trial was conducted among type 2 diabetes patients and heart disease patients of the South Karelia Social and Health Care District . Patients were recruited by sending invitations to r and omly selected patients using the electronic health records system . Health coaches called patients every 4 to 6 weeks and patients were encouraged to self-monitor their weight , blood pressure , blood glucose ( diabetics ) , and steps ( heart disease patients ) once per week . The primary outcome was HRQL measured by the Short Form ( 36 ) Health Survey ( SF-36 ) and glycosylated hemoglobin ( HbA1c ) among diabetic patients . The clinical measures assessed were blood pressure , weight , waist circumference , and lipid levels . Results A total of 267 heart patients and 250 diabetes patients started in the trial , of which 246 and 225 patients concluded the end-point assessment s , respectively . Withdrawal from the study was associated with the patients ’ unfamiliarity with mobile phones — of the 41 dropouts , 85 % ( 11/13 ) of the heart disease patients and 88 % ( 14/16 ) of the diabetes patients were familiar with mobile phones , whereas the corresponding percentages were 97.1 % ( 231/238 ) and 98.6 % ( 208/211 ) , respectively , among the rest of the patients ( P=.02 and P=.004 ) . Withdrawal was also associated with heart disease patients ’ comorbidities—40 % ( 8/20 ) of the dropouts had at least one comorbidity , whereas the corresponding percentage was 18.9 % ( 47/249 ) among the rest of the patients ( P=.02 ) . The intervention showed no statistically significant benefits over the current practice with regard to health-related quality of life — heart disease patients : beta=0.730 ( P=.36 ) for the physical component score and beta=-0.608 ( P=.62 ) for the mental component score ; diabetes patients : beta=0.875 ( P=.85 ) for the physical component score and beta=-0.770 ( P=.52 ) for the mental component score . There was a significant difference in waist circumference in the type 2 diabetes group ( beta=-1.711 , P=.01 ) . There were no differences in any other outcome variables . Conclusions A health coaching program supported with telemonitoring did not improve heart disease patients ' or diabetes patients '  quality of life or their clinical condition . There were indications that the intervention had a differential effect on heart patients and diabetes patients . Diabetes patients may be more prone to benefit from this kind of intervention . This should not be neglected when developing new ways for self-management of chronic diseases . Trial Registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT01310491 ; http:// clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01310491 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6Z8l5FwAM ) Background Angina affects more than 50 million people worldwide . Secondary prevention interventions such as cardiac rehabilitation are not widely available for this population . An Internet-based version could offer a feasible alternative . Objective Our aim was to examine the effectiveness of a Web-based cardiac rehabilitation program for those with angina . Methods We conducted a r and omized controlled trial , recruiting those diagnosed with angina from general practitioners ( GPs ) in primary care to an intervention or control group . Intervention group participants were offered a 6-week Web-based rehabilitation program ( “ ActivateYourHeart ” ) . The program was introduced during a face-to-face appointment and then delivered via the Internet ( no further face-to-face contact ) . The program contained information about the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease ( CHD ) and set each user goals around physical activity , diet , managing emotions , and smoking . Performance against goals was review ed throughout the program and goals were then reset/modified . Participants completed an online  exercise diary and communicated with rehabilitation specialists through an email link/synchronized chat room . Participants in the control group continued with GP treatment as usual , which consisted of being placed on a CHD register and attending an annual review . Outcomes were measured at 6-week and 6-month follow-ups during face-to-face assessment s. The primary outcome measure was change in daily steps at 6 weeks , measured using an accelerometer . Secondary outcome measures were energy expenditure ( EE ) , duration of sedentary activity ( DSA ) , duration of moderate activity ( DMA ) , weight , diastolic/systolic blood pressure , and body fat percentage . Self-assessed question naire outcomes included fat/fiber intake , anxiety/depression , self-efficacy , and quality of life ( QOL ) . Results A total of 94 participants were recruited and r and omized to the intervention ( n=48 ) or the usual care  ( n=46 ) group ; 84 and 73 participants completed the 6-week and 6-month follow-ups , respectively . The mean number of log-ins to the program was 18.68 ( SD 13.13 , range 1 - 51 ) , an average of 3 log-ins per week per participant . Change in daily steps walked at the 6-week follow-up was + 497 ( SD 2171 ) in the intervention group and –861 ( SD 2534 ) in the control group ( 95 % CI 263 - 2451 , P=.02 ) . Significant intervention effects were observed at the 6-week follow-up in EE ( + 43.94 kcal , 95 % CI 43.93 - 309.98 , P=.01 ) , DSA ( –7.79 minutes , 95 % CI –55.01 to –7.01 , P=.01 ) , DMA ( + 6.31 minutes , 95 % CI 6.01 - 51.20 , P=.01 ) , weight ( –0.56 kg , 95 % CI –1.78 to –0.15 , P=.02 ) , self-efficacy ( 95 % CI 0.30 - 4.79 , P=.03 ) , emotional QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.01 - 0.54 , P=.04 ) , and angina frequency ( 95 % CI 8.57 - 35.05 , P=.002 ) . Significant benefits in angina frequency ( 95 % CI 1.89 - 29.41 , P=.02 ) and social QOL score ( 95 % CI 0.05 - 0.54 , P=.02 ) were also observed at the 6-month follow-up . Conclusions An Internet-based secondary prevention intervention could be offered to those with angina . A larger pragmatic trial is required to provide definitive evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness . Trial Registration International St and ard R and omized Controlled Trial Number ( IS RCT N ) : 90110503 ; http://www.controlled-trials.com/IS RCT N90110503/IS RCT N90110503 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6RYVOQFKM ) Background Adherence to evidence -based therapies such as medications and exercise remains poor among patients after a myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) .  Text message reminders have been shown to improve rates of adherence to medication and exercise , but the existing studies have been of short duration . Objective Two single-center r and omized controlled pilot trials were conducted to evaluate the impact of text message reminders over 12 months on adherence to cardiac medications and exercise among patients receiving cardiac rehabilitation after hospitalization for MI . Methods In the medication adherence trial , 34 patients were r and omized to receive usual care alone or usual care plus daily text message reminders delivered at the time of day at which medications were to be taken . In the exercise adherence trial , 50 patients were r and omized to receive usual care alone or usual care plus 4 daily text messages reminding them to exercise as directed . Results The text message reminders led to a mean 14.2 percentage point improvement in self-reported medication adherence over usual care ( P<.001 , 95 % CI 7 - 21 ) . In the exercise trial , text message reminders result ed in an additional 4.2 days ( P=.001 , 95 % CI 1.9 - 6.4 ) and 4.0 hours ( P<.001 , 95 % CI 2.4 - 5.6 ) of exercise per month over usual care and a nonsignificant increase of 1.2 metabolic equivalents ( METS ; P=.06 ) in exercise capacity as assessed by a BRUCE protocol at 12 months . Conclusions Text message reminders significantly increased adherence to medication and exercise among post-MI patients receiving care in a structured cardiac rehabilitation program . This technology represents a simple and scalable method to ensure consistent use of evidence -based cardiovascular therapies . Trial Registration Clinical trials.gov NCT02783287 ; https:// clinical trials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02783287 ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6sBnvNb05 Objective Cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is pivotal in preventing recurring events of myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) . This study aims to investigate the effect of a smartphone-based home service delivery ( Care Assessment Platform ) of CR ( CAP-CR ) on  CR  use and health outcomes compared with a traditional , centre-based programme ( TCR ) in post-MI patients . Methods In this unblinded r and omised controlled trial , post-MI patients were r and omised to TCR ( n=60 ; 55.7±10.4 years ) and CAP-CR ( n=60 ; 55.5±9.6 years ) for a 6-week CR and 6-month self-maintenance period . CAP-CR , delivered in participants ’ homes , included health and exercise monitoring , motivational and educational material delivery , and weekly mentoring consultations . CAP-CR uptake , adherence and completion rates were compared with TCR using intention-to-treat analyses . Changes in clinical outcomes ( modifiable lifestyle factors , biomedical risk factors and health-related quality of life ) across baseline , 6 weeks and 6 months were compared within , and between , groups using linear mixed model regression . Results CAP-CR had significantly higher uptake ( 80 % vs 62 % ) , adherence ( 94 % vs 68 % ) and completion ( 80 % vs 47 % ) rates than TCR ( p<0.05 ) . Both groups showed significant improvements in 6-minute walk test from baseline to 6 weeks ( TCR : 537±86–584±99 m ; CAP-CR : 510±77–570±80 m ) , which was maintained at 6 months . CAP-CR  showed slight weight reduction ( 89±20–88±21 kg ) and also demonstrated significant improvements in emotional state ( K10 : median ( IQR ) 14.6 ( 13.4–16.0 ) to 12.6 ( 11.5–13.8 ) ) , and quality of life ( EQ5D-Index : median ( IQR ) 0.84 ( 0.8–0.9 ) to 0.92 ( 0.9–1.0 ) ) at 6 weeks . Conclusions This smartphone-based home care CR programme improved post-MI CR uptake , adherence and completion . The home-based CR programme was as effective in improving physiological and psychological health outcomes  as traditional CR . CAP-CR is a viable option towards optimising use of CR services . Trial registration number ANZCTR12609000251224 Objective : To determine if the improved risk factor profile at 1 year attributed to the Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events ( CHOICE ) program was maintained at 4 years . Design : Single-blind r and omized controlled trial with post-hoc 47 ± 6 months follow-up ( 76 % complete ) . Setting : Australian tertiary referral hospital . Patients : Two hundred and eight acute coronary syndrome survivors . Interventions : Acute coronary syndrome survivors not accessing cardiac rehabilitation ( CR )  were r and omized to control ( n = 72 ) or CHOICE ( n = 72 ) comprising the tailored risk factor reduction packaged as a clinic visit and 3 months phone support . A contemporary CR reference group were also recruited ( n = 64 ) . Blinded risk assessment occurred at baseline , 1 and 4 years . Main outcome measures : Total cholesterol , systolic blood pressure , smoking status , physical activity . Results : One year improvements in all the modifiable risk factors achieved in CHOICE were maintained at 4 years . CHOICE and control were well-matched at baseline . At 4 years , there was a trend towards lower total cholesterol in CHOICE compared with controls ( mean 4.0 ± 0.1 vs. 4.2 ± 0.1 mmol/l , P = 0.05 ) , significantly better systolic blood pressure ( mean 132.2 ± 2.1 vs. 136.8 ± 2.0 mmHg , P = 0.01 ) , physical activity scores ( 1200 ± 209 vs. 968 ± 196 metabolic equivalent min/week , P = 0.02 ) and proportion with three or more risk factors above national targets ( 20 vs. 42 % , P = 0.02 ) . Participants in CHOICE were at higher baseline risk than CR but at 4 years they had similar risk factor profiles . Conclusion : Participants in CHOICE maintained favorable changes in coronary risk profile at 4 years compared with control , indicating that CHOICE is an effective long-term intervention among those not accessing facility-based CR BACKGROUND Globally , attendance at cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) is between 15 and 30 % . Alternative models of individualised care are recommended to promote participation in CR , however there has been no prospect i ve testing of different duration s of such models . We aim ed to replicate the previously proven Choice of Health Options In prevention of  Cardiovascular Events ( CHOICE ) intervention , and to determine if an extended version ( CHOICEplus ) would confer additional benefits . METHODS Acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) survivors not accessing centre-based CR ( n=203 ) were r and omised to CHOICE for 3 months ( n=100 ) or CHOICEplus for 24 months ( n=103 ) at four urban hospitals . The program comprised telephone-based tailored risk-factor reduction . RESULTS CHOICE and CHOICEplus were equivalent demographically and in risk profile at baseline . At 24 months , lipid profiles improved significantly and fewer patients had ≥3 risk factors above target compared to baseline in both groups . There were no significant differences between groups . CONCLUSIONS The 24-month CHOICEplus program did not confer additional benefit above the brief 3-month CHOICE intervention . However , participation in either CHOICE and CHOICEplus significantly improved cardiovascular risk profile in ACS survivors . Importantly , the study was feasible , and the intervention translated readily across four hospitals . Overall , this study adds to the existing evidence for brief individualised approaches to CR BACKGROUND Previous reports indicate risk factors and lifestyle behaviors may deteriorate early after completion of a cardiac rehabilitation program ( CRP ) . We hypothesized that a modest risk factor and lifestyle management intervention after a CRP would significantly reduce overall cardiovascular risk using the Framingham risk score compared with usual care after 4 years . METHODS Patients with ischemic heart disease ( n = 302 ) were r and omized after a CRP to either usual care or intervention ( exercise sessions , telephone follow-ups , counseling sessions , and reports to the participants ' family physicians ) . The Framingham risk score , risk factors , and lifestyle behaviors were compared after 4 years . RESULTS Data were available for 130 intervention and 119 usual care participants . The intervention result ed in 15.5 hours of direct participant contact . Framingham score , total cholesterol , low-density lipoprotein cholesterol , and systolic blood pressure were significantly improved in the intervention group after adjusting for baseline factors . There were no significant differences with respect to lifestyle factors between the groups . CONCLUSIONS A modest risk factor and lifestyle management intervention result ed in a significant reduction to global risk compared with usual care and should be considered after CRP OBJECTIVES To determine the proportion of patients with established coronary heart disease ( CHD ) in two Australian studies ( VIC-I in 1996 - 1998 , and VIC-II in 1999 - 2000 ) who achieved their risk-factor targets as recommended by the National Heart Foundation of Australia , and to compare this proportion with those in studies from the United Kingdom ( ASPIRE ) , Europe ( EUROASPIRE I and II ) and the United States ( L-TAP ) . DESIGN AND SETTING Prospect i ve cohort study with  VIC-I set in a single Melbourne university teaching hospital and VIC-II set in six university teaching hospitals in Melbourne , Victoria . PARTICIPANTS 460 patients ( 112 in VIC-I , 348 in VIC-II ) who completed follow-up in the control groups of two r and omised controlled trials of a coaching intervention in patients with established CHD . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The treatment gap ( 100 % , minus the percentage of patients achieving the target level for a particular modifiable risk factor ) at six months after hospitalisation . RESULTS The treatment gap declined from 96.4 % ( 95 % CI , 91%-99 % ) to 74.1 % ( 95 % CI , 69%-79 % ) for total cholesterol concentration ( TC ) < 4.0 mmol/L ( P = 0.0001 ) and from 90.2 % ( 95 % CI , 83%-95 % ) to 54.0 % ( 95 % CI , 49%-59 % ) for TC < 4.5 mmol/L ( P = 0.0001 ) . This reduction in the treatment gap between VIC-I and VIC-II appears to be entirely explained by an increase in the number of patients prescribed lipid-lowering drugs . The treatment gaps in the UK and two European studies were substantially greater . The treatment gap for blood pressure ( systolic > or = 140 mmHg and /or diastolic > or = 90 mmHg ) in VIC-II was 39.5 % , again less than corresponding European data . There were 8.1 % of patients who had unrecognised diabetes in VIC-II ( fasting glucose level > or = 7 mmol/L ) , making a total of 25.6 % of VIC-II patients with diabetes , self-reported or unrecognised . The proportion of patients in VIC-II who were obese ( body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2 ) was similar to the overseas studies , while fewer patients in VIC-II smoked compared with those in the UK and European studies . CONCLUSIONS A substantial treatment gap exists in Victorian patients with established CHD . The treatment gap compares well with international surveys and , at least in the lipid area , is diminishing Background Mobile technology has the potential to deliver behavior change interventions ( mHealth ) to reduce coronary heart disease ( CHD ) at modest cost . Previous studies have focused on single behaviors ; however , cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) , a component of CHD self-management , needs to address multiple risk factors . Objective The aim was to investigate the effectiveness of a mHealth-delivered comprehensive CR program ( Text4Heart ) to improve adherence to recommended lifestyle behaviors ( smoking cessation , physical activity , healthy diet , and nonharmful alcohol use ) in addition to usual care ( traditional CR ) . Methods A 2-arm , parallel , r and omized controlled trial was conducted in New Zeal and adults diagnosed with CHD . Participants were recruited in-hospital and were encouraged to attend center-based CR ( usual care control ) . In addition , the intervention group received a personalized 24-week mHealth program , framed in social cognitive theory , sent by fully automated daily short message service ( SMS ) text messages and a supporting website . The primary outcome was adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors measured using a self-reported composite health behavior score ( ≥3 ) at 3 and 6 months . Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes , medication adherence score , self-efficacy , illness perceptions , and anxiety and /or depression at 6 months . Baseline and 6-month follow-up assessment s ( unblinded ) were conducted in person . Results Eligible patients ( N=123 ) recruited from 2 large metropolitan hospitals were r and omized to the intervention ( n=61 ) or the control ( n=62 ) group . Participants were predominantly male ( 100/123 , 81.3 % ) , New Zeal and European ( 73/123 , 59.3 % ) , with a mean age of 59.5 ( SD 11.1 ) years . A significant treatment effect in favor of the intervention was observed for the primary outcome at 3 months ( AOR 2.55 , 95 % CI 1.12 - 5.84 ; P=.03 ) , but not at 6 months ( AOR 1.93 , 95 % CI 0.83 - 4.53 ; P=.13 ) . The intervention group reported significantly greater medication adherence score ( mean difference : 0.58 , 95 % CI 0.19 - 0.97 ; P=.004 ) . The majority of intervention participants reported reading all their text messages ( 52/61 , 85 % ) . The number of visits to the website per person ranged from zero to 100 ( median 3 ) over the 6-month intervention period . Conclusions A mHealth CR intervention plus usual care showed a positive effect on adherence to multiple lifestyle behavior changes at 3 months in New Zeal and adults with CHD compared to usual care alone . The effect was not sustained to the end of the 6-month intervention . A larger study is needed to determine the size of the effect in the longer term and whether the change in behavior reduces adverse cardiovascular events . Trial Registration ACTRN 12613000901707 ; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/ Registration /Trial Review .aspx?id=364758&is Review = true ( Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6c4qhcHKt IMPORTANCE Cardiovascular disease prevention , including lifestyle modification , is important but underutilized . Mobile health strategies could address this gap but lack evidence of therapeutic benefit . OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of a lifestyle-focused semipersonalized support program delivered by mobile phone text message on cardiovascular risk factors . DESIGN AND SETTING The Tobacco , Exercise and Diet Messages ( TEXT ME ) trial was a parallel-group , single-blind , r and omized clinical trial that recruited 710 patients ( mean age , 58 [ SD , 9.2 ] years ; 82 % men ; 53 % current smokers ) with proven coronary heart disease ( prior myocardial infa rct ion or proven angiographically ) between September 2011 and November 2013 from a large tertiary hospital in Sydney , Australia . INTERVENTIONS Patients in the intervention group ( n = 352 ) received 4 text messages per week for 6 months in addition to usual care . Text messages provided advice , motivational reminders , and support to change lifestyle behaviors . Patients in the control group ( n=358 ) received usual care . Messages for each participant were selected from a bank of messages according to baseline characteristics ( eg , smoking ) and delivered via an automated computerized message management system . The program was not interactive . MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary end point was low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) level at 6 months . Secondary end points included systolic blood pressure , body mass index ( BMI ) , physical activity , and smoking status . RESULTS At 6 months , levels of LDL-C were significantly lower in intervention participants , with concurrent reductions in systolic blood pressure and BMI , significant increases in physical activity , and a significant reduction in smoking . The majority reported the text messages to be useful ( 91 % ) , easy to underst and ( 97 % ) , and appropriate in frequency ( 86 % ) . [ table : see text ] . CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among patients with coronary heart disease , the use of a lifestyle-focused text messaging service compared with usual care result ed in a modest improvement in LDL-C level and greater improvement in other cardiovascular disease risk factors . The duration of these effects and hence whether they result in improved clinical outcomes remain to be determined . TRIAL REGISTRATION anzctr.org.au Identifier : ACTRN12611000161921 Background Providing information is an important part of st and ard care and treatment for acute myocardial infa rct ion in patients . Evidence exists indicating that acute myocardial infa rct ion patients experience an information gap in the period immediately after discharge from the hospital . The aim of this study was to assess the short-term effects of a nurse-led telephone follow-up intervention to provide information and support to patients with acute myocardial infa rct ion after their discharge from hospital . Design and method A prospect i ve r and omized , controlled trial with a 6-month follow-up was conducted . A total of 288 patients were allocated to either an intervention group ( n = 156 ) or a control group ( n = 132 ) . The latter received routine post-discharge care . The primary endpoint measured at 3 and 6 months after discharge was the health-related quality of life using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey . Secondary endpoints included smoking and exercise habits . Results In both groups , health-related quality of life improved significantly over time on most subscales . A statistically significant difference in favour of the intervention group was found on the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Physical Health Component Summary Scale ( P=0.034 ) after 6 months . No difference was found between the groups on the Mental Health Component Summary Scale . We found a significant difference with respect to frequency of physical activity in favour of the intervention group after 6 months ( P=0.004 ) . More participants in the intervention group than the control group had ceased smoking at the 6-month follow-up ( P=0.055 ) . Conclusion A nurse-led systematic telephone follow-up intervention significantly improved the physical dimension of health-related quality of life in patients in the intervention group compared with usual care patients . Participation in this intervention also seemed to promote health behaviour change in patients after acute myocardial infa rct ion Background : In this study , we tested the efficacy of a low-intensity lifestyle intervention aim ed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease among mid-life individuals . Methods : We conducted a r and omized controlled trial in which participants were r and omly assigned either to receive a health report card with counselling ( from a Telehealth nurse ) on smoking , exercise , nutrition and stress or to receive usual care . The patients were divided into 2 groups on the basis of risk : the primary prevention group , with a Framingham risk score of 10 % or higher ( intervention , n = 157 ; control , n = 158 ) , and the secondary prevention group , who had a diagnosis of coronary artery disease ( intervention , n = 153 ; control , n = 143 ) . The primary outcome was a change in the Framingham global risk score between baseline and 1-year follow-up . Data were analyzed separately for the 2 prevention groups using an intention-to-treat analysis controlling for covariates . Results : Within the primary prevention group , there were statistically significant changes for the treatment group relative to the controls , from baseline to year 1 , in Framingham score ( intervention , –3.10 [ 95 % confidence interval ( CI ) –3.98 to –2.22 ] ; control , –1.30 [ 95 % CI –2.18 to –0.42 ] ; p < 0.01 ) and scores for total cholesterol ( intervention , –0.41 [ 95 % CI –0.59 to –0.23 ] ; control , –0.14 [ 95 % CI –0.32 to 0.04 ] ; p < 0.05 ) , systolic blood pressure ( intervention , –7.49 [ 95 % CI –9.97 to –5.01 ] ; control , –3.58 [ 95 % CI –6.08 to –1.08 ] ; p < 0.05 ) , nutrition level ( intervention , 0.30 [ 95 % CI 0.13 to 0.47 ] ; control , –0.05 [ 95 % CI –0.22 to 0.12 ] ; p < 0.01 ) , and health confidence ( intervention , 0.20 [ 95 % CI 0.09 to 0.31 ] ; control , 0.04 [ 95 % CI –0.07 to 0.15 ] ; p < 0.05 ) , with adjustment for covariates . No significant changes in outcome variables were found for the secondary prevention group . Interpretation : We found evidence for the efficacy of an intervention addressing multiple risk factors for primary prevention at 1 year using Framingham risk score report cards and telephone counselling . ( Requirement for clinical trial registration waived [ enrolment completed before requirement became applicable ] . BACKGROUND Patients with myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) seldom reach recommended targets for secondary prevention . This study evaluated a smartphone application ( " app " ) aim ed at improving treatment adherence and cardiovascular lifestyle in MI patients . DESIGN Multicenter , r and omized trial . METHODS A total of 174 ticagrelor-treated MI patients were r and omized to either an interactive patient support tool ( active group ) or a simplified tool ( control group ) in addition to usual post-MI care . Primary end point was a composite nonadherence score measuring patient-registered ticagrelor adherence , defined as a combination of adherence failure events ( 2 missed doses registered in 7-day cycles ) and treatment gaps ( 4 consecutive missed doses ) . Secondary end points included change in cardiovascular risk factors , quality of life ( European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions ) , and patient device satisfaction ( System Usability Scale ) . RESULTS Patient mean age was 58 years , 81 % were men , and 21 % were current smokers . At 6 months , greater patient-registered drug adherence was achieved in the active vs the control group ( nonadherence score : 16.6 vs 22.8 [ P = .025 ] ) . Numerically , the active group was associated with higher degree of smoking cessation , increased physical activity , and change in quality of life ; however , this did not reach statistical significance . Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the active vs the control group ( system usability score : 87.3 vs 78.1 [ P = .001 ] ) . CONCLUSIONS In MI patients , use of an interactive patient support tool improved patient self-reported drug adherence and may be associated with a trend toward improved cardiovascular lifestyle changes and quality of life . Use of a disease-specific interactive patient support tool may be an appreciated , simple , and promising complement to st and ard secondary prevention Objective : To evaluate cost , adherence and effects on cardiovascular function and quality of life of a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with coronary disease . Design : A r and omized , prospect i ve controlled trial . Setting : Department of Rehabilitation , University Hospital , Brazil . Subjects : Thirty-nine low-risk patients were assigned to a home exercise training group ( n = 19 ) or a control group ( n = 20 ) . Interventions : The home group performed home-based training for three months with biweekly telephone monitoring . Main outcome measures : The aerobic capacity and the quality of life ( Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey ( SF-36 ) ) of all patients were evaluated before and after the three-month period . Adherence was evaluated weekly . Programme cost was estimated using the Brazilian Classification of Medical Procedures . Results : After training , the home group had higher peak Vo2 from 28.8 ( 6.4 ) to 31.7 ( 8.1 ) mL/kg per minute , peak heart rate from 135 ( 22 ) to 143 ( 20 ) bpm , work rate from 4780 ( 2021 ) to 7103 ( 3057 ) kpm/min and exercise time from 11.5 ( 1.9 ) to 13.6 ( 2.3 ) minutes ( P ≤ 0.05 ) . The control group showed reduction in peak Vo2 from 28.6 ( 6.6 ) to 26.8 ( 7.2 ) mL/kg per minute , peak Vo2 pulse from 15.5 ( 3.9 ) to 14.3 ( 3.8 ) mL/bpm and exercise time from 11.5 ( 2.3 ) to 11.4 ( 2.7 ) minutes ( P ≤ 0.05 ) . The home group reported improvements in all domains of SF-36 . The control group showed improvement in only three domains of SF-36 . In the home group the average cost per patient was US$ 502.71 and the adherence achieved 100 % . Conclusion : The programme seems to provide an efficient low-cost approach to cardiac rehabilitation in low-risk patients Background Telephone counseling in chronic disease self-management is increasing , but has not been tested in studies that control for quality of medical care . Objective To test the effectiveness of a six-session outpatient telephone-based counseling intervention to improve secondary prevention ( behaviors , medication ) in patients with acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) following discharge from hospital , and impact on physical functioning and quality of life at 8 months post-discharge . Design Patient-level r and omized trial of hospital quality improvement ( QI-only ) versus quality improvement plus brief telephone coaching in three months post-hospitalization ( QI-plus ) . Data : medical record , state vital records , patient surveys ( baseline , three and eight months post-hospitalization ) . Analysis : pooled-time series generalized estimating equations to analyze repeated measures ; intention-to-treat analysis . Participants Seven hundred and nineteen patients admitted to one of five hospitals in two contiguous mid-Michigan communities enrolled ; 525 completed baseline surveys . Measurements We measured secondary prevention behaviors , physical functioning , and quality of life . Results QI-plus patients showed higher self-reported physical activity ( OR = 1.53 ; p = .01 ) during the first three months , with decline after active intervention was withdrawn . Smoking cessation and medication use were not different at 3 or 8 months ; functional status and quality of life were not different at 8 months . Conclusions Telephone coaching post-hospitalization for ACS was modestly effective in accomplishing short-term , but not long-term life-style behavior change . Previous positive results shown in primary care did not transfer to free-st and ing telephone counseling as an adjunct to care following hospitalization Community studies have demonstrated suboptimal achievement of lipid targets in the management of patients with coronary heart disease ( CHD ) . An effective strategy is required for the application of evidence -based prevention therapy for CHD . The objective of this study was to test coaching as a technique to assist patients in achieving the target cholesterol level of < 4.5 mmol/L. Patients with established CHD ( n = 245 ) underwent a stratified r and omization by cardiac procedure ( coronary artery bypass graft surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention ) to receive either the coaching intervention ( n = 121 ) or usual medical care ( n = 124 ) . The primary outcome measure was fasting serum total cholesterol ( TC ) , serum triglyceride ( TG ) , high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( HDL-C ) , and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( LDL-C ) level , measured at 6 months post-r and omization . At 6 months , the serum TC and LDL-C levels were significantly lower in the coaching intervention group ( n = 107 ) than the usual care group ( n = 112 ) : mean TC ( 95%CI ) 5.00 ( 4.82 - 5.17 ) mmol/L versus 5.54 ( 5.36 - 5.72 ) mmol/L ( P < .0001 ) ; mean LDL-C ( 95%CI ) 3.11 ( 2.94 - 3.29 ) mmol/L versus 3.57 ( 3.39 - 3.75 ) mmol/L ( P < .0004 ) , respectively . Coaching had no impact on TG or on HDL-C levels . Multivariate analysis showed that being coached ( P < .001 ) had an effect of equal magnitude to being prescribed lipid-lowering drug therapy ( P < .001 ) . The effectiveness of the coaching intervention is best explained by both adherence to drug therapy and to dietary advice given . Coaching may be an appropriate method to reduce the treatment gap in applying evidence -based medicine to the " real world . Less than 25 % of eligible patients attend cardiac rehabilitation programs ( CRP )  , with geographical proximity being a predominant barrier . Therefore , we undertook a pilot study to assess the feasibility and safety of using the Internet as a medium for delivery of an interactive " virtual " CRP ( vCRP ) to patients at a distance . Fifteen patients on the waiting list for a local hospital-based CRP were r and omized to either an Internet-based vCRP or observational control . The vCRP consisted of on-line intake forms , one-on-one chat sessions with a nurse , dietitian , and exercise specialist , downloadable exercise heart rate monitoring , education and data monitoring of blood pressure , weight , and glucose . Participants were assessed for exercise capacity , risk factors , and lifestyle behaviors at baseline and at 12 weeks . Those in the vCRP logged onto the Internet-based CRP an average of 4.2 times per week . There were no adverse events in the vCRP participants . The vCRP group significantly improved their HDL-C , triglycerides , total cholesterol : HDL-C ratio , exercise capacity as assessed in metabolic equivalents , weekly physical activity , and exercise specific self-efficacy ( p < 0.05 ) . There were no significant improvements in the control group . Improvements in the vCRP group were similar to historical controls in a st and ard CRP . Feedback from exit interviews of the vCRP participants was unanimously positive . This Internet-based CRP result ed in clinical ly significant improvements in risk factors and exercise capacity similar to that of a st and ard CRP . The high user acceptance indicated that this program may have the potential to effectively manage patients who do not have access to traditional hospital-based CRP Background Digital health interventions ( DHI ) have been shown to improve intermediates of cardiovascular health , but their impact on cardiovascular ( CV ) outcomes has not been fully explored . The aim of this study was to determine whether DHI administered during cardiac rehabilitation ( CR ) would reduce CV‐related emergency department ( ED ) visits and rehospitalizations in patients after percutaneous coronary intervention ( PCI ) for acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) . Methods We r and omized patients undergoing CR following ACS and PCI to st and ard CR ( n = 40 ) or CR + DHI ( n = 40 ) for 3 months with 3 patients withdrawing from CR prior to initiation in the treatment arm and 6 in the control group . The DHI incorporated an online and smartphone‐based CR platform asking the patients to report of dietary and exercise habits throughout CR as well as educational information toward patients ' healthy lifestyles . We obtained data regarding ED visits and rehospitalizations at 180 days , as well as other metrics of secondary CV prevention at baseline and 90 days . Results Baseline demographics were similar between the groups . The DHI + CR group had improved weight loss compared to the control group ( −5.1 ± 6.5 kg vs. −0.8 ± 3.8 kg , respectively , P = .02 ) . Those in the DHI + CR group also showed a non‐significant reduction in CV‐related rehospitalizations plus ED visits compared to the control group at 180 days ( 8.1 % vs 26.6 % ; RR 0.30 , 95 % CI 0.08‐1.10 , P = .054 ) . Conclusions The current study demonstrated that complementary DHI  significantly improves weight loss , and might offer a method to reduce CV‐related ED visits plus rehospitalizations in patients after ACS undergoing CR . The study suggests a role for DHI as an adjunct to CR to improve secondary prevention of CV disease . Trial registration This trial is registered at clinical trials.gov ( NCT01883050 ) Background Participation in coronary heart disease secondary prevention programs is low . Innovative programs to meet this treatment gap are required . Purpose To aim of this study is to describe the effectiveness of a telephone-delivered secondary prevention program for myocardial infa rct ion patients . Methods Four hundred and thirty adult myocardial infa rct ion patients in Brisbane , Australia were r and omised to a 6-month secondary prevention program or usual care . Primary outcomes were health-related quality of life ( Short Form-36 ) and physical activity ( Active Australia Survey ) . Results Significant intervention effects were observed for health-related quality of life on the mental component summary score ( p = 0.02 ) , and the social functioning ( p = 0.04 ) and role-emotional ( p = 0.03 ) subscales , compared with usual care . Intervention participants were also more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity ( p = 0.02 ) , body mass index ( p = 0.05 ) , vegetable intake ( p = 0.04 ) and alcohol consumption ( p = 0.05 ) . Conclusions Telephone-delivered secondary prevention programs can significantly improve health outcomes and could meet the treatment gap for myocardial infa rct ion patients PURPOSE Despite demonstrated benefits of cardiac rehabilitation and risk factor reduction , only 11 % to 38 % of eligible patients with cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) participate in cardiac rehabilitation programs .  Women and older adults are particularly less likely to participate in cardiac rehabilitation . In an effort to broaden access to cardiac rehabilitation , the authors developed an alternative Internet-based program that allows nurse case managers to provide risk factor management training , risk factor education , and monitoring services to patients with CVD . METHODS The evaluation consisted of a r and omized , clinical trial involving 104 patients with CVD , 53 of whom used the program as a special intervention ( SI ) for 6 months and 51 of whom received usual care ( UC ) .  RESULTS The results indicate that fewer cardiovascular events occurred among the SI subjects ( 15.7 % ) than among the UC subjects ( 4.1 % ) ( P = .053 ) , result ing in a gross cost savings of $ 1418 US dollars per patient . With a projected program cost of $ 453 USD per patient , the return on investment is estimated at 213 % . More weight loss occurred in the SI group ( -3.68 pounds ) than in the UC group ( + .47 pounds ) ( P = .003 ) . The differences between the two groups in terms of blood pressure , lipid levels , depression scores , minutes of exercise , and dietary habits were not statistically significant . CONCLUSION An Internet-based case management system could be used as a cost-effective intervention for patients with CVD , either independently or in conjunction with traditional cardiac rehabilitation This r and omized , controlled trial evaluated the impact of personalized follow-up on compliance rates in high-risk patients receiving combination lipid-lowering therapy over 2 years . A r and om sample of 30 patients 7 - 30 days after cardiac surgery had baseline fasting low-density lipoprotein levels higher than 130 mg/dl . All patients received lovastatin 20 mg/day and colestipol 5 g twice/day . Weekly telephone contact was made with each patient for 12 weeks . Short- and long-term compliance was assessed by pill and packet counts and refill records . Compliance and lipid profile results were significantly better in the intervention group ( p<0.05 ) up to 2 years after the start of therapy than in the control group for all parameters except high-density lipoprotein . However , this effect was not apparent during the first 12 weeks of therapy . Short-term telephone follow-up favorably affected compliance and lipid profile results up to 2 years after start of therapy BACKGROUND Although the potential to reduce hospitalisation and mortality in chronic heart failure ( CHF ) is well reported , the feasibility of receiving healthcare by structured telephone support or telemonitoring is not . AIMS To determine ; adherence , adaptation and acceptability to a national nurse-coordinated telephone-monitoring CHF management strategy . The Chronic Heart Failure Assistance by Telephone Study ( CHAT ) . METHODS Triangulation of descriptive statistics , feedback surveys and qualitative analysis of clinical notes . Cohort comprised of st and ard care plus intervention ( SC+I ) participants who completed the first year of the study . RESULTS 30 GPs ( 70 % rural ) r and omised to SC+I recruited 79 eligible participants , of whom 60 ( 76 % ) completed the full 12 month follow-up period . During this time 3619 calls were made into the CHAT system ( mean 45.81 SD+/-79.26 , range 0 - 369 ) , Overall there was an adherence to the study protocol of 65.8 % ( 95 % CI 0.54 - 0.75 ; p=0.001 ) however , of the 60 participants who completed the 12 month follow-up period the adherence was significantly higher at 92.3 % ( 95 % CI 0.82 - 0.97 , p < or=0.001 ) . Only 3 % of this elderly group ( mean age 74.7+/-9.3 years ) were unable to learn or competently use the technology . Participants rated CHAT with a total acceptability rate of 76.45 % . CONCLUSION This study shows that elderly CHF patients can adapt quickly , find telephone-monitoring an acceptable part of their healthcare routine , and are able to maintain good adherence for a least 12 months The effects of a nurse-managed secondary prevention program for patients after acute cardiac events were examined . Special interest was given to gender-specific results . The design was a prospect i ve , r and omized , controlled trial involving 343 patients following 3 weeks of inpatient cardiac rehabilitation , r and omly assigned to either of two study groups . Patients in the treatment group were contacted monthly by phone over 1 year . The main goals of the intervention were the reduction of behavioural coronary risk factors and enhancing quality of life . The program was conducted by specially trained nurses . The control group received written information only . Primary outcome was the Framingham risk score . Follow-up examination after 12 months was completed by 297 patients . Patients in the intervention group showed lower Framingham risk scores as compared to controls . Separate analyses by sex revealed that this was mostly due to the men in the sample . Women , on the other h and , showed a significant rise of clinical ly relevant anxiety/depressiveness in the control but not in the intervention group ; in males there were no differences between study conditions . In conclusion , telephone counselling by specially trained nurses seems a cost-effective way to achieve a lasting reduction in cardiac risk factors and to maintain the effects of cardiac rehabilitation . Effekte eines von Pflegepersonal durchgefuehrten Nachsorgeprogramms fuer Koronarpatienten wurden untersucht . Besondere Aufmerksamkeit galt moeglichen Gendereffekten . Es h and elt sich um eine prospektive , r and omisierte , kontrollierte Studie . 343 Patienten wurden nach stationaerer kardiologischer Rehabilitation auf eine von zwei Studiengruppen r and omisiert . Patienten in der Interventions gruppe wurden über ein Jahr ca . einmal i m Monat telephonisch kontaktiert . Hauptziele der Intervention waren die effektive und nachhaltige Reduktion verhaltensgebundener Risikofaktoren sowie die Verbesserung der Lebensqualitaet . Das Programm wurde von speziell dafuer fortgebildetem Pflegepersonal durchgefuehrt . Die Kontrollgruppe erhielt nur schriftliches Informations material . Primaerer Endpunkt war das globale koronare Risiko ( Framingham Score ) . Von 297 Patienten wurden komplette Date n bei der Abschlussuntersuchung nach 12 Monaten erhalten . Patienten in der Interventions gruppe zeigten niedrigere Framingham-Scores als Kontrollpatienten . Getrennte Analysen nach Geschlecht ergaben , dass dieser Effekt hauptsaechlich auf die Maenner zurueckzufuehren ist ; bei den Frauen zeigten sich keine Unterschiede zwischen den Studiengruppen . Auf der and eren Seite zeigte sich bei den Frauen in der Kontrollgruppe eine deutliche Zunahme an Angst bzw . Depressivitaet ; ein entsprechender Effekt f and sich bei den Maennern nicht . Telefonische Nachsorge durch speziell fortgebildetes Pflegepersonal scheint ein kostenguenstiger Weg zu sein , koronare Risikofaktoren zu reduzieren und die Effekte von kardiologischer Rehabilitation aufrechtzuerhalten . Se evaluaron los result ados de un programa secundario de prevención dirigido por el personal de enfermería para pacientes que han sufrido un trastorno cardiovascular agudo . Se dio una especial importancia a los result ados específicos para cada sexo . Se trata de un estudio prospect ivo , aleatorizado , comparativo , en el que participaron 343 pacientes tras 3 semanas de haber recibido rehabilitación cardiovascular , a quienes se dividieron en dos grupos , de manera aleatoria . Los pacientes del grupo que recibió tratamiento fueron contactados por teléfono una vez al mes durante 1 año . Los principales objetivos de la intervención fueron reducir los factores de riesgo de las cardiopatías arterioscleróticas relacionados con el actuar de los pacientes , y mejorar la calidad de vida de éstos . La realización del programa estuvo a cargo de un grupo de enfermeras y enfermeros especialmente entrenados para ello . El grupo de referencia recibió información sólo por escrito . Los result ados iniciales se obtuvieron aplic and o la escala de riesgo de Framingham . En las valoraciones de seguimiento , realizadas tras 12 meses , participaron 292 pacientes . Los valores en la escala de riesgo de Framingham fueron más bajos en los pacientes del grupo que recibió la intervención que en el grupo de referencia . Los análisis según el sexo revelaron que el aporte mayor a este result ado provino de los varones de la muestra . Por su parte , las mujeres del grupo de referencia presentaron un aumento importante de la ansiedad/depresión relacionada con el proceso de enfermedad , lo cual no se apreció en el grupo que recibió tratamiento . Entre los varones no se apreciaron diferencias relacionadas con las condiciones del estudio . En conclusión , el apoyo emocional por vía telefónica brindado por el personal de enfermería especialmente entrenado para ello parece ser una manera rentable de disminuir de forma perdurable los factores de riesgo para las cardiopatías arterioscleróticas , así como de perpetuar los result ados de la rehabilitación cardiovascular . Cette étude examine les effets d'un programme de prévention secondaire sous surveillance du personnel infirmier pour les patients ayant souffert d'incidents cardiaques aigus . Une attention toute particulière a été donnée aux résultats selon le sexe . L'essai était de type prospect if , r and omisé et contrôlé , avec la participation de 343 patients après 3 semaines de rééducation cardiaque dans des conditions d'hospitalisation , affectés de manière aléatoire à l'un ou l'autre des deux groupes d'étude . Les patients appartenant au groupe de traitement ont été contactés tous les mois par téléphone sur une période de 1 an . Les principaux objectifs de l'intervention étaient la réduction des facteurs comportementaux de risque coronaire et l'amélioration de la qualité de vie . Le programme était administré par des infirmiers spécialement formés . Le groupe témoin recevait simplement des informations écrites . Le principal résultat était le score de risque de Framingham .  297 patients ont subi des examens de suivi après 12 mois . Les patients appartenant au groupe d'intervention ont affiché des scores de risque de Framingham inférieurs à ceux du groupe témoin . Les analyses séparées par sexe révèlent que la différence porte principalement sur les hommes . Les femmes , par contre , affichent une augmentation significative des tendances dépressives/à l'anxiété , cliniquement pertinente dans le groupe témoin , contrairement au groupe d'intervention ; chez les hommes , on ne note aucune différence entre les conditions d'étude . En conclusion , le conseil téléphonique administré par des infirmiers spécialement formés semble constituer un mode économique et efficace pour parvenir à une réduction durable des facteurs de risques cardiaques et préserver les effets de la rééducation cardiaque AIM Previous studies have reported lifestyle and risk factor deterioration following completion of a cardiac rehabilitation program ( CRP ) . We report the results of a one-year Extensive Lifestyle Management Intervention ( ELMI ) aim ed at preventing these adverse changes . METHODS AND RESULTS A total of 302 men and women with ischaemic heart disease were recruited following completion of a CRP and r and omized to either the  ELMI  ( consisting of exercise sessions , telephone follow-ups and risk factor and lifestyle counselling ) or  usual care . The primary outcome was global cardiovascular risk using the Framingham and Procam risk scores . Secondary outcomes included risk factors and lifestyle behaviours . Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups . Adherence to the ELMI was high . There was a non-significant trend in favour of the ELMI between for both the Framingham ( 6.6+/-3.1 to 6.2+/-2.9 vs 6.6+/-3.2 to 6.7+/-3.2 , P=0.138 ) and Procam ( 20.0+/-20.0 to 20.6+/-19.5 vs 19.1+/-18.7 to 21.8+/-19.1 , P=0.089 ) scores . There were no differences in secondary outcomes . CONCLUSIONS A one-year multi-factorial post-CRP intervention results in modest , non-significant benefits to global risk compared to usual care . The absence of deterioration in the usual care group may be due to improved practice s in usual care BACKGROUND Previous research indicates that patients exiting a 12-week cardiac rehabilitation program ( CRP )  have difficulty maintaining an adequate exercise program . Thus , the authors ' purpose was to determine if a home-based exercise program would enable patients to maintain/improve their blood lipids , body composition , and functional capacity after exiting the CRP . METHODS Thirty-one patients exiting an initial 12-week CRP were assigned r and omly to the home-based ( HB ) intervention or the st and ard care ( SC ) condition . After one home visit , the HB participants ( n = 16 ) were contacted by telephone every other week by CRP staff and completed and returned weekly exercise logs . The SC participants ( n = 15 ) had no contact with the CRP other than to schedule follow-up tests . A third group ( n = 17 ) , r and omly selected from patients that elected to remain in the center-based CRP ( CB ) for the same duration , also were examined . All groups underwent  exercise testing , fasting blood lipid analysis , and body composition assessment before starting CRP ( 0 M ) , after 3 months ( 3 M ) in a st and ard CRP , and after 9 months ( 12 M ) in either HB , SC , or CB condition ( 12 months after starting CRP ) . RESULTS Analysis of variance indicated that there were significant increases in metabolic equivalents and high-density lipoprotein , in all three groups , over time . However , analysis of covariance revealed no significant differences between the HB , SC , and CB groups at 12 M for any variable . CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the HB program was as effective as the CB program at improving/maintaining functional capacity , blood lipids , and body weight/composition . The similar success of the SC group is likely due to their prior experience in CRP and knowledge of follow-up testing . Home-based maintenance program could be offered as a low-cost alternative to CB programs Background Finding innovative and cost-efficient care strategies that induce long-term health benefits in cardiac patients constitutes a big challenge today . The aim of this Telerehab III follow-up study was to assess whether a 6-month additional cardiac telerehabilitation programme could induce long-term health benefits and remain cost-efficient after the tele-intervention ended . Methods and results A total of 126 cardiac patients first completed the multicentre , r and omised controlled telerehabilitation trial ( Telerehab III , time points t0 to t1 ) . They consequently entered the follow-up study ( t1 ) with evaluations 2 years later ( t2 ) . A quantitative analysis of peak aerobic capacity ( VO2 peak , primary endpoint ) , international physical activity question naire self-reported physical activity and HeartQoL quality of life ( secondary endpoints ) was performed . The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was calculated . Even though a decline in VO2 peak ( 24 ± 8 ml/[min*kg ] at t1 and 22 ± 6 ml/[min*kg ] at t2 ; P ≤ 0.001 ) was observed within the tele-intervention group patients ; overall they did better than the no tele-intervention group ( P = 0.032 ) . Dividing the incremental cost ( −€878/patient ) by the differential incremental quality -adjusted life years ( QALYs ) ( 0.22 QALYs ) yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of –€3993/QALY . Conclusions A combined telerehabilitation and centre-based programme , followed by transitional telerehabilitation induced persistent health benefits and remained cost-efficient up to 2 years after the end of the intervention . A partial decline of the benefits originally achieved did occur once the tele-intervention ended . Healthcare professionals should reflect on how innovative cost-efficient care models could be implemented in st and ard care . Future research should focus on key behaviour change techniques in technology-based interventions that enable full persistence of long-term behaviour change and health benefits . This study is registered in the IS RCT N registry ( IS RCT N29243064 ) BACKGROUND Lifestyle modification is an integral component of cardiac secondary prevention , while it has been confirmed that myocardial infa rct ion ( MI ) patients ' health-related behaviors are heavily influenced by their illness perception . OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of a telephone follow-up intervention for improving MI patients '  illness perception and lifestyle . DESIGN A r and omized controlled trial , longitudinal research design was employed . SETTING S Cardiac care units in four major general hospitals in Guangzhou , China . PARTICIPANTS Inclusion criteria were being diagnosed with an initial acute MI , being able to communicate orally in M and arin or Cantonese and read in Chinese , and living in Guangzhou . Exclusion criteria were with continuing uncontrolled arrhythmias or heart failure , being illiteracy , or with a history of major psychiatric illness , exercise-induced asthma , uncontrolled diabetes , or evidence of dementia . METHOD 124 patients admitted with the first acute MI were r and omized to receive either routine care or routine care plus a telephone follow-up intervention , which consist of a pre-discharge education and three telephone follow-up instructions . Data were collected before discharge , at the 6th and the 12th week after discharge from hospital , respectively . RESULTS At the 6th and the 12th week after discharge , patients in the intervention group had significantly positive perceptions about symptoms of MI ( mean difference 3.27 , 95 % confidence interval 2.48 - 4.07 , p<.001 ; mean difference 2.12 , 95 % confidence interval 1.34 - 2.89 , p<.001 respectively ) and how long their illness would last ( mean difference -0.69 , 95 % confidence interval -0.91 to -0.47 , p<.001 ; mean difference -0.74 , 95 % confidence interval -0.96 to -0.51 , p<.001 respectively ) compared with the control group . The intervention group also had more positive beliefs about the controllability ( F=4.23 , p=.04 ) and more improved beliefs about the causes of MI than the control group . Moreover , the intervention improved the patients ' nutrition ( F=5.16 , p=.03 ) and physical activity at the 12-week follow-up ( mean difference 0.37 , 95 % confidence interval 0.17 - 0.58 , p<.001 ) . CONCLUSION This telephone follow-up intervention can result in improved illness perception and lifestyle after MI . It could be incorporated into current hospital treatment regimens for MI to improve patients ' quality of life The CONSORT statement is used worldwide to improve the reporting of r and omised controlled trials . Kenneth Schulz and colleagues describe the latest version , CONSORT 2010 , which up date s the reporting guideline based on new method ological evidence and accumulating experience . To encourage dissemination of the CONSORT 2010 Statement , this article is freely accessible on bmj.com and will also be published in the Lancet , Obstetrics and Gynecology , PLoS Medicine , Annals of Internal Medicine , Open Medicine , Journal of Clinical Epidemiology , BMC Medicine , and Trials PURPOSE : Efficient ways are needed to implement the secondary prevention ( SP ) of coronary heart disease . Because few studies have investigated Web-based SP programs , our aim was to determine the usefulness of a new Web-based telemonitoring system , connecting patients provided with self-measurement devices and care managers via mobile phone text messages , as a tool for SP . METHODS : A single-blind , r and omized controlled , clinical trial of 203 acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) survivors , was conducted at a hospital in Madrid , Spain . All patients received lifestyle counseling and usual-care treatment . Patients in the telemonitoring group ( TMG ) sent , through mobile phones , weight , heart rate , and blood pressure ( BP ) weekly , and capillary plasma lipid profile and glucose monthly . A cardiologist accessed these data through a Web interface and sent recommendations via short message service . Main outcome measures were BP , body mass index ( BMI ) , smoking status , low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol ( LDL-c ) , and glycated hemoglobin A1c ( HbA1c ) . RESULTS : At 12-month followup , TMG patients were more likely ( RR = 1.4 ; 95 % CI = 1.1−1.7 ) to experience improvement in cardiovascular risk factors profile than control patients ( 69.6 % vs 50.5 % , P = .010 ) . More TMG patients achieved treatment goals for BP ( 62.1 % vs 42.9 % , P = .012 ) and HbA1c ( 86.4 % vs 54.2 % , P = .018 ) , with no differences in smoking cessation or LDL-c . Body mass index was significantly lower in TMG ( −0.77 kg/m2 vs + 0.29 kg/m2 , P = .005 ) . CONCLUSIONS : A telemonitoring program , via mobile phone messages , appears to be useful for improving the risk profile in ACS survivors and can be an effective tool for secondary prevention , especially for overweight patients Objective : To determine the effect of a new CHOICE ( Choice of Health Options In prevention of Cardiovascular Events ) programme on cardiovascular risk factors in acute coronary syndrome ( ACS ) survivors . Design : Single-blind r and omised controlled trial . Setting : Tertiary referral hospital in Sydney Australia . Patients : 144 ACS survivors who were not accessing st and ard cardiac rehabilitation .  Data were also collected on a further 64 ACS survivors attending st and ard cardiac rehabilitation . Intervention : The CHOICE group ( n = 72 ) participated in a brief , patient-centred , modular programme comprising a clinic visit plus telephone support , encompassing m and atory cholesterol lowering and tailored preferential risk modification . The control group ( n = 72 ) participated in continuing conventional care but no central ly coordinated secondary prevention . Main outcome measures : Values for total cholesterol , systolic blood pressure , smoking status and physical activity . Results : CHOICE and control groups were well matched at baseline . At 12 months , the CHOICE group ( n = 67 ) had significantly better risk factor levels than controls ( n = 69 ) for total cholesterol ( TC ) ( mean ( SEM ) 4.0 ( 0.1 ) vs 4.7 ( 0.1 ) mmol/l , p<0.001 ) , systolic blood pressure ( 131.6 ( 1.8 ) vs 143.9 ( 2.3 ) mm Hg , p<0.001 ) , body mass index ( 28.9 ( 0.7 ) vs 31.2 ( 0.7 ) kg/m2 , p = 0.025 ) and physical activity ( 1369.1 ( 167.2 ) vs 715.1 ( 103.5 ) METS/kg/min , p = 0.001 ) as well as a better knowledge of risk factor targets . Also at 1 year , fewer CHOICE participants ( 21 % ) had three or more risk factors above widely recommended levels then controls ( 72 % ) ( p<0.001 ) . Conclusions : Participation in a brief CHOICE programme significantly improved the modifiable risk profiles and risk factor knowledge of ACS survivors over 12 months . CHOICE is an effective alternative for dealing with the widespread underuse of existing secondary prevention programmes . Trial registration number : IS RCT
target: Conclusions : Telehealth interventions with a range of delivery modes could be offered to patients who can not attend cardiac rehabilitation , or as an adjunct to cardiac rehabilitation for effective secondary prevention
background: Background : Coronary heart disease ( CHD ) is a major cause of death worldwide .
  Cardiac rehabilitation , an evidence -based CHD secondary prevention programme , remains underutilized .
  Telehealth may offer an innovative solution to overcome barriers to cardiac rehabilitation attendance .
  We aim ed to determine whether contemporary telehealth interventions can provide effective secondary prevention as an alternative or adjunct care compared with cardiac rehabilitation and /or usual care for patients with CHD .