The impact of group and individual training on hemodynamics, lipid metabolism, physical activity and quality of life in patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Despite significant advances in prevention and treatment, cardiovascular disease remains the main cause of mortality and disability in Europe. This is largely due to the low level of commitment to doctors' recommendations for drug treatment and lifestyle modification. The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of group and individual training in the basics of medical knowledge to control the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease in patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study included 210 patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk. The first group consisted of 75 patients who studied at the School of Health 'Fundamentals of Healthy Lifestyle'. The second group consisted of 75 patients who were offered individual counseling. The control group consisted of 60 individuals. Patients in both groups were examined before and after the end of the course.

RESULTS: Results and conclusions: We conducted a general clinical examination, determined anthropometric parameters, blood pressure (BP), glucose, cholesterol and its fractions in the blood. It has been established that the group training of patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk in Schools of Health 'Fundamentals of Healthy Lifestyle' promotes better BP control, but does not significantly affect the lipid metabolism. Individual training for patients with high and very high cardiovascular risk leads to a significant reduction in BP levels, improved lipid metabolism, increased physical activity, and improved quality of life.