A cardiovascular risk factor reduction clinic.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a cohort of patients referred to a cardiovascular risk factor reduction unit (CRFRU).


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Out-patients referred to a specialty clinic in a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
Seven hundred and four consecutive male and female patients with one or more cardiovascular risk factors, of whom 388 were reassessed after one year.


METHODS
Standard risk factors were measured in all participants. The probability of coronary artery disease (CAD) was assessed according to the Framingham equation and results were compared with data from the Saskatchewan Heart Health Survey for the general population of Saskatchewan. Patients received dietary and fitness advice, as well as drug therapy when indicated. For follow-up studies, the change in probability of CAD and selected variables after one year were measured.


RESULTS
Patients referred to the CRFRU were at considerably higher risk for CAD than the general population. One hundred and sixty-eight of 235 men and 77 of 153 women seen in follow-up had a reduced risk score. Those who improved had a favourable change in systolic blood pressure and in their lipid profile, as well as greater weight loss.


CONCLUSIONS
A CRFRU is feasible and appears to reduce risk in a considerable proportion of patients.
Wilson
T W
TW
University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. wilsont@duke.usask.ca
Quest
D W
DW
Wilson
M
M
Buxton
A C
AC
Herman
R J
RJ
Boctor
M A
MA
Horlick
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012306:Risk; D012525:Saskatchewan; D016896:Treatment Outcome