title: Randomized controlled trial on the long-term efficacy of a multifaceted, interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving lifestyle in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
abstract: The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of an interdisciplinary intervention known as Educoeur in reducing cardiovascular risk and improving health behaviors in people without evidence of cardiovascular disease and to compare the Educoeur program to interventions in a specialized clinic and in usual care family practice. In a parallel, randomized, controlled trial of 185 adults with at least two modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, patients were randomly assigned to either Educoeur, specialized clinic or usual care. Cardiovascular risk, biological and lifestyle measures were assessed at baseline and at 2 years. In Educoeur, measurements were also taken before and after the lifestyle group treatment program. In 12 weeks, patients in Educoeur significantly lowered their cardiovascular risk, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, kilocalories intake and improved their VO2 Max and mental health. Changes remained significant at 2 years. Between group comparisons at 2 years demonstrated that Educoeur was significantly better in reducing cardiovascular risk than interventions in usual care. Together, these results highlight the importance of providing interdisciplinary programs that optimize cardiovascular risk reduction and promote active lifestyles in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montreal, QC, H2W 1R7, Canada.
authors.forename: Lysanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Goyer
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dufour
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Janelle
authors.forename: Chantal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Blais
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: L'Abbé
authors.forename: Emilie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Raymond
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: de Champlain
authors.forename: Pierre
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Larochelle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior