Abstract P325: Effectiveness of the First Outpatient Pritikin Intensive Cardiac Rehabilitation (ICR) Program

Abstract

Introduction: ICR has been used for the treatment of patients recovering from a myocardial infarction, cardiac surgery, percutaneous intervention, and/or stable angina. Pritikin ICR is a comprehensive program whereby patients follow a structured diet and exercise program. The first outpatient Pritikin ICR program was implemented at Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University School of Medicine. While patients domiciled at the Pritikin Longevity Center show marked improvements in several cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the effects of the outpatient Pritikin ICR program are unknown. Hypothesis: Patients who complete 24 sessions of the outpatient Pritikin ICR program will have improvements in several clinically important CVD risk factors, including body mass index (BMI, primary endpoint), adiposity, lipid profiles, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Methods: This observational study of the outpatient Pritikin ICR program was conducted as part of routine clinical care. Patients referred for ICR since 1/1/2017 were invited to participate in assessments at baseline and after completing 24 sessions. ICR was comprised of monitored exercise sessions plus Pritikin education sessions focusing on dietary changes (low-fat, low-sodium, high-fiber foods) and stress management through a series of videos, cooking classes, and workshops. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance. Fitness was estimated with the 6-minute walk test. Hand grip strength was assessed by dynamometry. Results: 140 ICR patients (28% women; age 68 ± 9 y, mean ± SD) completed baseline and visit 24 assessments over an average of 9.9 weeks. Significant improvements ( P <0.001) were observed for BMI (pre 31.0 ± 6.2, post 30.5 ± 6.0 kg/m 2 ), weight (mean ± SD, -1.6 ± 3.0 kg), whole-body fat % (-1.2 ± 2.5), trunk fat % (-1.7 ± 3.3), 6-min walk distance (+37.6 ± 53.6 m), and hand grip strength (+1.22 ± 3.42 kg). Improvements also were observed for waist circumference, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol ( P <0.05). Conclusion: An outpatient Pritikin ICR program results in significant cardiovascular benefits by reducing adiposity, improving lipid profiles, and enhancing exercise capacity. These favorable results should lead to fewer cardiovascular events.