High risk-factor level and low risk-factor knowledge in patients not accessing cardiac rehabilitation after acute coronary syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To document the risk-factor profile and risk-factor knowledge of patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) not attending standard cardiac rehabilitation.


METHODS
Cross-sectional comparison in a tertiary hospital.


METHODS
Patients admitted to hospital with an ACS, residing within 20 km of the hospital, and without severe comorbidity who did not access cardiac rehabilitation (NCR) were compared with a group about to commence standard cardiac rehabilitation (SCR).


METHODS
Risk-factor profile, knowledge of risk factors via face-to-face assessment, quality of life.


RESULTS
Of the 446 patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation, 208 attended for assessment (NCR: n = 144; SCR: n = 64). The NCR group had higher mean (+/- SEM) low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (2.6 +/- 0.1 v 2.3 +/- 0.1; P = 0.02), and were more likely than the SCR group to have a total cholesterol level of > 4.0 mmol/L (78% v 53%; P < 0.001) and an LDL cholesterol level > 2.5 mmol/L (47% v 25%; P = 0.01). They were more likely than the SCR group to be physically inactive (77% v 22%; P < 0.001); obese (46% v 33%; P = 0.04); depressed (21% v 5%; P < 0.001); or current smokers (21% v 1%; P < 0.001). Compared with the SCR group, the NCR group also had higher risk scores (LIPID risk score) (4.5 v 2.1; P < 0.001); lower quality of life (Medical Outcome Short Form [SF-36] Health Survey); and significantly poorer knowledge of risk factors. Among patients with at least two modifiable cardiac risk factors, the NCR group were less likely than the SCR group to be able to state at least one risk factor (24% v 38%; P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients not participating in cardiac rehabilitation after an ACS have more adverse risk profiles and poorer knowledge of risk factors compared with those about to commence cardiac rehabilitation. Alternate models for secondary prevention are required to improve health outcomes in patients not attending cardiac rehabilitation.
Redfern
Julie
J
University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Ellis
Elizabeth R
ER
Briffa
Tom
T
Freedman
S Ben
SB
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001315:Australia; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors