The role of motion and diet therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with a history of infarct

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases can be found on the top of mortality and morbidity statistics all over the developed countries. From the point of view of public health myocardial infarct is the most characteristic condition among ischaemic diseases. Due to explanatory campaigns, prevention programs, and improvement of health care in USA, West-Europe the relative incidence of the disease has decreased in the past decades. In Hungary, about 30.000 new infarct occurs per year affecting younger and younger age groups.

Objective: Assessment of the practical results of cardiac rehabilitation. Our objective was to promote reducing risk factors, restarting, and improving quality of everyday life of patients with a history of cardiac infarct. Another goal was to increase patients' load and feeling of safety, inform them about healthy nutrition, and to acquire its aspects. Material and Method: The effects of 3 conducted and 2 spontaneous physical trainings were examined for 4 months with patients with a history of cardiac infarct. Training took place in a gymn twice a week for 90min. and in a swimming-pool once a week for 60min. The intensity of the trainings was elevated gradually. The following examinations were carried out at the beginning and at the end of the program: BP (Blood Pressure), bwkg (body weight kilogramm), RAC%, VO2max, load time. With the help of the questionnaires and tests the patients“ eating habits and knowledge were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the program. The received data were compared to each other. The patients' eating habits were influenced by regular counselling.

Results: Definitive improvement of safety and physical achievement could be observed. Development of training effect was obvious. Significant increase in physical achievement parameters was detected. Emergency cases and cardiac complication did not develop during the training period.

Conclusion: Keyfactors of rehabilitation and secondary prevention: physical training, active lifestyle, and practical application of risk reducing nutrition. Rehabilitation can be carried out only in a form of multidisciplinary group work.