Effective secondary prevention through cardiac rehabilitation after coronary revascularization and predictors of poor adherence to lifestyle modification and medication. Results of the ICAROS Survey

Abstract Background and aim Secondary prevention is a priority after coronary revascularization. We investigate the impact of a cardiac rehabilitation (CR) program on lifestyle, risk factors and medication modifications and analyze predictors of poor behavioral changes and events in patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods Multicenter (n = 62), prospective, longitudinal survey in post-CABG or -PCI consecutive patients after a comprehensive CR program. Cardiac risk factors, lifestyle habits, medication and 1 year cardiovascular events were collected. Logistic regression analyzed the association between risk factors, events and predictors of non-adherence to treatment and lifestyle. Results At 1 year, of the 1262 patients (66 ± 10 years, CABG 69%, PCI 31%), 94% were taking antiplatelet agents (vs. 91.8% at CR admission and 91.7% at CR discharge, p = ns), 87% statins (vs. 67.5%, p < .0001, and 86.3%, p = ns), 80.7% beta-blockers (vs. 67.4%, p < .0001, and 88.8%, p = ns), and 81.1% ACE inhibitors (vs. 57.5% p < .0001, and 77.7%, p = ns). 89.9% of the patients showed good adherence to treatment, 72% adhered to diet and 51% to exercise recommendations; 74% of smokers stopped smoking. Younger age was predictive of smoking resumption (OR 8.9, CI 3.5–22.8). Pre-event sedentary lifestyle (OR 3.3, CI 1.3–8.7) was predictive of poor diet. Older patients with comorbidity (OR 3.1; CI, 1.8–5.2) tended to persist in sedentary lifestyle and discontinue therapy and diet recommendations. Age, diabetes, smoking and PCI indication were predictors of recurrent CV events which occurred in 142 patients. Conclusion Participation in CR results in excellent treatment after revascularization, as well as a good lifestyle and medication adherence at 1 year and provides further confirmation of the benefit of secondary prevention. Several clinical characteristics may predict poor behavioral changes.