LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS OF POST ANGIOPLASTY PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Non-adherence to dietary recommendations, exercise and prescribed drug regimens, in coronary heart
disease (CHD) patients following coronary artery angioplasty is a major health care issue worldwide.
Aims and objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the frequency and predictors of nonadherence to lifestyle changes and medication among coronary artery disease patients after undergoing angioplasty.
Methods: The sample of this structured questionnaire study of 80 patients who underwent coronary angioplasty
procedure. Adherence was assessed on the basis of patients self-report. Questions like socio-demographic details
include patient’s age, gender, marital status, education, employment. Co-morbid conditions, dietary intake, physical
activity, psychological factors, personal habits, family history of angioplasty and current medication. We approach
the patient and interviewed after getting a written informed consent.
Results: Roughly half of the patients were non-adherent to dietary recommendations (n = 53, 66.25%) while about
one third (n = 50, 62.5%) were non-adherent to prescribed medications. Reluctance to follow exercise regimen, busy
schedule, and fear that exercise will aggravate heart issues were commonly reported as reasons for non-compliance
to exercise. As for non-adherence to medication, forgetfulness, affordability of drugs and too many medications to
take were important predictors.
Conclusion: Non-adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication is an emerging problem worldwide. Our
result demonstrates that intensified lifestyle modification is able to reduce need for further revascularisation
procedures after initial successful PTCA in these patients. For psychological distress, offering supportive
interventions such as counselling and treatment may help patients to cope effectively with various aspects of disease.