Cardiac event rate in a lifestyle modification program for patients with chronic coronary artery disease.

Background: Several clinical trials have shown that intensive lifestyle modification programs have a significant impact on cardiovascular risk factors.

Hypothesis: This paper is a retrospective analysis to determine the effect of participation in a 2-year lifestyle management program on long-term clinical outcome in patients outside the setting of a clinical trial.

Methods: Patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) enrolled in a 2-year program of exercise training, dietary counseling, stress management, and therapeutic education.