Supervisors info:
Δημήτριος Τούσουλης, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Ελένη Κυρίτση, καθηγήτρια, ΤΕΙ Αθήνας
Τούτουζας Κωνσταντίνος,Καθηγητής, Ιατρική Σχολή, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Objective: Patients with history of Acute Coronary Syndrome (A.C.S.) have higher morbidity and mortality rates than the general population. Lifestyle changes and focus on modifiable risk factors for coronary heart disease reduce the recurrence or the worsening of its symptoms. Physical activity and higher fitness levels result in lower O2 myocardial needs, higher electrical stability and efficiency of the myocardium, increased HDL cholesterol, and reduced triglycerides levels, body weight and blood pressure
Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of physical activity at the physical and psychological health of patients with history of A.C.S..
Methods: Communication via telephone with patients that participated in the GREEKS study and were hospitalized at Ippokrateio G.H.A. with the diagnosis of A.C.S. during the years 2007-2008. Anthropometric data, information regarding medical history, dietary and smoking habits, the level of physical activity, and dietary, psychological evaluation and health level self evaluation data were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted, as well as study of correlation of physical activity levels and the data mentioned above, at a level of significance α=0,05 (SPSS 21.0).
Results: Communication was successful with 150 patients. Of those, 37 (24,7%) died between the years +2007-2015, with cardiovascular disease being the cause for the majority of deaths. Statistically significant negative correlation of physical activity and patient reported rehospitalization was observed, with no statistically significant difference in its cause. Additionally, statistically significant positive correlation of physical activity and Mediterranean diet adherence (p=0,001), better self reported health condition (p<0,001), better scores at the depression and health scales (p<0,001) was found. No statistically significant difference was observed between the levels of physical activity and comorbidities, pharmaceutical treatments, and Body Mass Index.
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Conclusion: Higher levels of physical activity are correlated with decreased long term morbidity, improved physical and mental health, and better adherence to dietary habits that reduce morbidity and mortality following an episode of A.C.S..
Keywords:
Physical activity, Acute Coronary Syndrome, Physical health, Emotional health, Acute myocardial infraction