title: Nordic walking for cardiovascular prevention in patients with ischaemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The incidence of atherosclerotic diseases has increased in Europe due in part to the population's sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is useful for cardiovascular prevention. Nordic walking (NW) mobilizes a great number of muscular groups and is very popular in northern Europe. There is no data available on its impact in the healthcare system of the Mediterranean area. We propose the implementation of a NW program to promote physical activity and control cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), as well as to improve quality of life and the adherence to medical treatment in patients with a chronic ischemic heart disease or metabolic syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  We selected patients with uncontrolled CVRFs. These patients performed 2 weekly sessions of NW over the course of one year. Baseline data extracted from the patients' medical history, quality of life questionnaires and on adherence to treatment was compared with the results obtained at the end of the program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A reduction in the rate of CVRFs from 4.78 to 3 was observed, with an evident trend towards the improvement of the patients' quality of life and a better adherence to the treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implementation of a NW program is feasible in the public healthcare system and can aid in the management of CVRFs.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España. Electronic address: CVEHI@clinic.ub.es.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vehí
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Carles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Falces
authors.affiliation: Centre d'Atenció Primària Bordeta-Magòria, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Miquel Àngel
authors.initials: MÀ
authors.lastname: Sarlat
authors.affiliation: Centre d'Atenció Primària La Marina, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Ana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gonzalo
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Rut
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Andrea
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Cardiología, Instituto Cardiovascular, Hospital Clínic, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sitges
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017202:Myocardial Ischemia / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cardiopatía isquémica; Ischaemic heart disease; Marcha nórdica; Nordic walking; Prevención; Prevention; Rehabilitación; Rehabilitation