Two-year results of a controlled study of residential rehabilitation for patients treated with percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. A randomized study of a multifactorial programme

Aims In a multifactorial lifestyle behaviour programme, of 2 years duration, to study the maintenance of achieved behaviour and risk factor-related changes. Methods and Results Out of a consecutive population of 151 patients treated with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty under 65 years of age, 87 were randomly allocated to an intervention group (n=46) or to a control group (n=41). The programme started with a 4 week residential stay, which was focused on health education and the achievement of behaviour change. During the first year of follow-up, a maintenance programme included regular contacts with a nurse, while no further rehabilitative efforts were offered during the second year. One patient died (control). During the second year the proportion of hospitalized patients was lower in the intervention group (4% vs 20%;P