Interventional Effectiveness and Management of Heart Disease

Jacob Kimble, Kristy Eckman, Paige Meadows, Manuel Mavroudis, Reanna Bell
Introduction Research Question Conclusion
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death After being diagnosed with heart disease, what
globally. Can anything be done to reduce this risk? is the progression of disease in patients who
The effects dietary intake, exercise, treatment, and changed their lifestyle compared to those who
cardiac rehab have on the prevalence, management, did not?
and mortality rates of cardiac disease are shown.

Preventable and Unpreventable

Rehospitalizations

Summary of Research Findings

Diet: The Mediterranean Diet consists of increasing fruits, vegetables, and poultry while decreasing red meats and foods
high in cholesterol. The Hale Project and The Moli-Sani Study both looked at the success of this diet and its effect on
mortality. The Hale Project associated this diet with roughly a 50% decrease in all-cause and cause-specific mortality
rates while The Hale Project resulted in a 30% decrease.
Exercise: Exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease decreases the prevalence of cardiovascular death. It was
found that aerobic exercise increased protection more than strength training and that more advanced exercise would
better protect from cardiovascular disease. Overall, it was found that even if the guidelines of exercise were not met,
participating in any exercise, increased protection of the heart.
Cardiac Rehab: Cardiac rehabilitation is a medically supervised program designed to improve your cardiovascular health
if you have experienced a heart attack, heart failure, angioplasty, or heart surgery.
Comparing results: There are many factors affecting heart disease such as knowledge, demographics, genetics,
lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. Treatment must be all inclusive for best management.

References available upon request.

Bitonte College of Health and Human Services Centofanti School of Nursing