Compliance to modification of risk factors for recurrent myocardial infarction in the long term of the disease: a randomized study

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Purpose: to study the relationship between awareness and commitment to modifying risk factors for recurrent myocardial infarction in a long period of the disease. Material & Methods: to study the awareness of risk factors and adherence to secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI), a representative sample was created. Of 912 patients treated for myocardial infarction, 333 patients were randomized, taking into account proportional distribution in the population by age (under 65 and over 65 years) and gender. The average age of patients was 62.5±9.8 years: 70,27% of men and 29,73% of women. Patients' awareness of risk factors, the use of preventive measures and adherence to treatment were assessed on the basis of a questionnaire. Statistical processing of the obtained material was carried out using the statistical program STATISTICA 12.5 (StatSoft.Inc). Results are presented as mean and standard deviation (M±s), number of options (n). To compare the qualitative characteristics (frequency tables), the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test were used. All participants were informed about the aims of the study and gave written consent to participate in the study. Results: low awareness (Aw) and commitment (Cm) to the modification of such risk factors for recurrent infarction in a long period of the disease as: reduced fat intake Aw 16,52%, Cm 19,4%; regular consumption of vegetables and fruits Aw 11,41%, Cm 9,7%; smoking cessation Aw 15,92%, Cm 11,04%; decrease in alcohol consumption Aw 16,52%, Cm 10,70%; increased physical activity Aw 14,41%, Cm 12,37%; weight loss with its excess Aw 3,0%, Cm 2,34%; avoidance of stress Aw 28,53%, Cm 18,06%. Although the vast majority of patients received appropriate recommendations from the doctor. Conclusions: low awareness of the possibility of modifying heart disease risk factors is associated with the failure to implement such non-pharmacological measures in secondary prevention after MI: decrease in fat intake (χ2=65,12; p=0,000) and regular consumption of vegetables and fruits (F p=0,000), unwillingness to quit smoking (F p=0,000) and decrease in alcohol consumption (F p=0,000), unwillingness to increase physical activity (χ2=17,61; p=0,000) and reduce weight in case of its excess (F p=0,015), avoiding stress (χ2=27,42; p=0,000).