'Startling' reversal in cardiovascular risk factors

CARDIOVASCULAR illness risk factors such as obesity, lack of physical exercise, high blood pressure, anxiety and depression have been reversed significantly among more than 500 participants in a health initiative in the west.

“Startling” is how London-based cardiologist Dr Susan Connolly described the results of the “MyAction” programme run by Croí, the west of Ireland cardiac foundation.

Dr Connolly, who is consultant cardiologist at Imperial College, London, told a recent conference at University Hospital Galway (UHG) that the achievements were significantly ahead of similar work done in Britain.

More than 500 people from Galway city and county have participated to date in the cardiovascular disease prevention programme since it was set up by Croí. It is run by the charity in collaboration with the HSE West primary community continuing care (PCCC) unit.

Participants had to be referred by their GP to apply for one of the 350 places available annually. The risk profile of participants was greater than that of the general population, with 63 per cent classified as obese; 91 per cent taking little or no physical exercise; 50 per cent having high blood pressure; 68 per cent having high cholesterol; 35 per cent suffering from anxiety and 23 per cent being depressed.

Within a 12-16 week intervention, these life-threatening risks were “dramatically reduced” by a team of nurse specialists, a dietitian, physiotherapist and a doctor, under the direction of UHG cardiologists, Croí said.

The results included a 50 per cent reduction in smokers, an average weight reduction of four kilos per person, a 4.5cm waist reduction, and a fall in blood pressure levels, equating to a 20 per cent drop in the risk of a heart attack and 35 per cent drop in the risk of stroke.

There were also “significant” falls in cholesterol levels, equating to a 14 per cent reduction in cardiovascular events, Croí said. Some 61 per cent of participants now meet the recommended physical activity levels, equating to a 25 per cent reduction in cardiovascular events. There was also a halving of anxiety and depression levels.

“Galway is leading the way in prevention with an investment which is both clinically and cost effective,” Dr Connolly said.

“The Croí MyAction programme is a first in Ireland and is directly in keeping with the recommendations of the national cardiovascular health policy,” she said.

Her comments were endorsed by Dr Jim Crowley, UHG consultant cardiologist and Croí research and medical director.

“Croí is making a real difference in saving lives and preventing family distress and disability from heart disease and stroke,” he said.

The programme is managed by Irene Gibson, and was developed by Imperial College in London, on foot of a research project known as EuroAction undertaken by the European Society of Cardiology.