[Healthy heart: Results of a community education program on cardiovascular health].
OBJECTIVE
To improve the knowledge of the population about heart-healthy habits through a training program supplemented by a web site and community activities.


METHODS
A controlled clinical trial with intervention done through participation in the Cardiovascular Health Training Classroom (CHTC) LOCATION: A town of 80,000 inhabitants.


METHODS



METHODS
both sexes, aged 55 to 70 years, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF).


METHODS
The intervention group (IG) consisted of patients who participated in the CHTC. Intervention was carried out through a 20-hour presential group course in which a support web site was offered and complementary activities were organized. Classes were taught by three Primary Care nurses.


METHODS
The primary endpoint was knowledge of CVRF. The secondary variables were age, sex, CVRF, lifestyle, visits to health centers, pharmaceutical use adherence, and satisfaction with the program.


RESULTS
Data from patients in the first 10 courses (n=150) were evaluated. A statistically significant improvement was observed in overall knowledge of CVRF in the IG (87.3% to 100%) compared with control group (GC) (84.5% to 92.7%), p<.001, as well as an improvement in physical activity is (IG: 71.2% to 83.1% versus CG: 72.6% to 78.2%), p=.05. The total number of Primary Care visits (medical and nursing) decreased in the IG more than in the CG. The satisfaction rate of the course was very high.


CONCLUSIONS
This experience is effective in improving cardiovascular health knowledge and promoting some healthy habits.
Atención Primaria, CAP Sant Cugat-La Mina de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: rmadridejos@mutuaterrassa.es.
Rosa
R
Madridejos Mora
Atención Primaria, CAP Sant Cugat-Valldoreix de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Lourdes
L
Majem Fabres
Atención Primaria, CAP Sant Cugat-Valldoreix de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Helena
H
Puig Acebal
Atención Primaria, CAP Sant Cugat-Can Matas de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Inma
I
Sanz Latorre
Atención Primaria, CAP Rambla de Terrassa de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Eva
E
Llobet Traveset
Atención Primaria, CAP Sant Cugat-Can Matas de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Mar
M
Arce Casas
Medicina de familia, CAP Sant Cugat-Can Matas de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Dolors
D
Ruiz Morilla
Medicina de familia, CAP Rubí de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Angel
A
Mercadal Dalmau
Medicina de familia, CAP Rambla de Terrassa de Mútua Terrassa, Barcelona, España.
Dani
D
Pañart Sánchez
D000368:Aged; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects
Cardiovascular diseases; Community-based prevention; Educación de la salud; Enfermedades cardiovasculares; Health education; Prevención basada en la comunidad