Lipid Profile Results after Cardiovascular Prevention Programme: Euroaction Model in Spain

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes (CVPRP) are an established model of care designed to improve risk factor management. They have been successfully implemented in a variety of settings, in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).

Objective: To assess the long term impact of a nurse-coordinated, multidisciplinary, CVPRP in patients with CHD in the reduction of lipid profile and medication prescription in clinical practice.

Methods: The study used an analytical, experimental, population based, prospective and longitudinal design. In Spain, the study was conducted in the Valencian Community, including two randomized hospitals. Coronary patients were prospectively and consecutively identified in both hospitals. The intervention hospital carried out an 8-week CVPRP.

Results: The proportion of patients achieving improved standards of preventive care increased in the intervention hospital compared with the usual care hospital, mainly regarding LDL-C concentrations. Furthermore, an increased prescription of statins was found in the intervention group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in triglycerides and glucose levels.

Conclusion: The EUROACTION nurse-led CVPRP enabled coronary patients to control lipid profile to the European targets. A large proportion of patients were prescribed statin therapy as cardioprotective medication with favorable changes in medication for coronary patients. To improve the potential for cardiovascular prevention, we need local preventive cardiology programmes adapted to the health policy of individual countries.

Keywords: Nursing; cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation programmes; coronary heart disease; interdisciplinary; lipid profile.