[Phase II ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation (Cologne model). 3 year results after conclusion of the intervention].
BASELINE: Of a total of 101 patients with CAD who participated in an ambulatory cardiac rehabilitation program (ACR) ("Cologne model") between 1992 and 1994, 76 (75.2%) were examined 36 months after concluding ACR.


RESULTS
The significant improvement in exercise tolerance from 118.4 +/- 30.1 to 131.9 +/- 34.1 W achieved with the ACR was maintained at the 3-year examination. ACR also significantly decreased plasma cholesterol levels from 228.9 +/- 48.3 to 211.7 +/- 37.0 mg%; 3 years after ACR the corresponding figures were 219.1 +/- 39.3 mg%. In the high-risk group the significant reduction in plasma cholesterol levels from 265 +/- 43.6 to 231.9 +/- 35.4 mg% observed immediately after ACR was maintained over the three-year period (234.6 +/- 37.7 mg%). Similar patterns were observed for other parameters of lipid metabolism. Before the cardiac event 63.2% of the patients smoked; at the 3-year examination the percentage was 30.3%. Before ACR, 73.7% of the patients were gainfully employed. Within the first 6 months after ACR, 71.4% returned to work, and this percentage increased to 73.2% after one year. Three years later, 64.3% were still working.


CONCLUSIONS
The results demonstrate that the lifestyle changes achieved with 4-weeks of ACR may, at least in part, be maintained over a period of 36 months.
Bjarnason-Wehrens
B
B
Deutsche Sporthochschule, Institut für Kreislaufforschung und Sportmedizin, Köln.
Predel
H G
HG
Graf
C
C
Rost
R
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000191:economics; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000191:economics / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome