A meta-analysis of psychoeducational programs for coronary heart disease patients.

In a meta-analysis of 37 studies, the effects of psychoeducational programs for coronary heart disease patients were examined and it is suggested that cardiac rehabilitation programs that were successful on proximal targets were more effective on distal targets than programs without success on proximate targets.

Abstract

In a meta-analysis of 37 studies, the effects of psychoeducational (health education and stress management) programs for coronary heart disease patients were examined. The results suggest that these programs yielded a 34% reduction in cardiac mortality; a 29% reduction in recurrence of myocardial infarction (MI); and significant (p < .025) positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight, smoking behavior, physical exercise, and eating habits. No effects of psychoeducational programs were found in regard to coronary bypass surgery, anxiety, or depression. The results also suggest that cardiac rehabilitation programs that were successful on proximal targets (systolic blood pressure, smoking behavior, physical exercise, emotional distress) were more effective on distal targets (cardiac mortality and MI recurrences) than programs without success on proximal targets.