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 non-adherence 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 sociodemographic 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.