[Long-term effects of a cardiac rehabilitation program in the control of cardiovascular risk factors].

Introduction: Cardiac rehabilitation programs are designed to improve patients' functional capacity, as well as to educate them and to monitor their cardiovascular risk factors.

Aim: The study aims to evaluate the effects of cardiac rehabilitation programs in patients with coronary disease over a 12-month follow-up period with regard to control of cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: This was a prospective study of patients diagnosed with coronary disease who completed an exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation program between January 2008 and December 2009 and who were not lost to follow-up. Patients were evaluated at an early stage (first medical consultation in phase II of the program) and 3, 6 and 12 months later, the following parameters being assessed: weight and body mass index, waist circumference, lipid profile, HbA1c in diabetic patients, blood pressure, smoking status and physical activity (using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire).

Results: In the sample of 256 patients (76.2% male, mean age 67 years), dyslipidemia proved to be the most prevalent risk factor (74.2%), followed by overweight (71.5%). There was a statistically significant improvement (p<0,05) in all risk factors studied at the end of phase II of the program, which was maintained at 6 and 12 months of follow-up, with the exception of body mass index (loss of statistical significance at 6-month assessment, p=0,92).

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for cardiac rehabilitation programs in the context of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease and the importance of implementing strategies that promote long-term maintenance of their benefits.