The effect of a 36-session Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on the Framingham Risk Score

Cardiac Rehabilitation is widely used in the United States to help individuals who have had a cardiac event that is approved by insurance companies. Factors that lead to the development of cardiovascular disease are lack of exercise, tobacco use, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and diet comprised of high consumption of saturated fats, salt, refined carbohydrates, and low levels of fruits and vegetables (World Health Organization, 2008). The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a cardiac rehabilitation program in modifying the patient’s Framingham risk score after 36 sessions of cardiac rehabilitation. This is a retrospective study; data were taken from subject files that were acquired during the period of April 2005 to March 2008. The study included 152 male and 46 female subjects. Baseline and 12-week values for blood pressure (systolic, diastolic), total cholesterol, HDL-C, and LDL-C, smoking status and diabetes status was collected. To evaluate each of the subject’s data and form a Framingham risk score for each subject a computer program was developed using the Labview (National Instruments, Austin Texas). Statistical significance was found in all variables (Framingham risk score p<.001, systolic blood pressure p=.049, diastolic blood pressure p= .002, total cholesterol p<.001, LDL-C p<.001, HDL-C p.004) between baseline and post cardiac rehabilitation program. There was mild statistical significance between delta fat and the delta Framingham scores p= .004. There was no statistical significance found in between delta Framingham and delta MET p= .817. Cardiac rehabilitation programs are an important part in improving an individual’s health after a coronary event. Cardiac rehabilitation programs include education to improve an individual’s diet skills for handling stress and improve their outlook on life after their recent cardiac event as well as reducing their risk for another coronary event. The Framingham risk score is an assessment tool that is widely accepted to evaluate risk factors that lead to the development of coronary heart disease. However there was research that showed that it underestimated an individual’s risk for developing coronary heart disease.Physical EducationMastersUniversity of New Mexico. Biology Dept.Robergs, RobertKravitz, LeonardGibson, An