Abstract

ROSELLO-ARAYA, Marlene  and  GUZMAN-PADILLA, Sonia. Implementación de un programa de rehabilitación cardiaca (Fase II) en el Hospital Max Peralta. Acta méd. costarric [online]. 2003, vol.45, n.1, pp.20-24. ISSN 0001-6002.

Justification and objective: A cardiac rehabilitation program (CRP) plays a very important role in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The results obtained by the first group patients of that participated in a CRP developed at the Max Peralta Hospital in Cartago are presented in this article. Methods: A CRP was implemented for patients who had suffered a cardiac event the program, consisted of group educational sessions, held once a week for three hours during three months. The lipid profile, anthropometrics, diet and quality of life were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study period. Results: 15 patients participated, the average age was 59 years, more than 70% of them presented risk factors associated with cardiovascular diseases, 59% were overweight or were frankly obese (BMI >25). At the end the lipid profile had improved, mainly cholesterol and LDL levels. They were eating a diet nutritionally balanced, and the frequency of consumption of fruits, vegetables, diary products had increased. On the contrary, the frequency of intake of meats, candies, fats and cereals diminished. Quality Life improved from the beginning (96±22,9) until the end (89,7±27,3). Conclusion: Even though the establishment of CRP in hospitals is difficult, a clear improvement of the patients physical and emotional aspects was observed.

Keywords : Cardiac rehabilitation program; Lipids; Education; Nutrition; Diet; Quality of Life; Cardiac event.