Patients with coronary artery disease – maintaining planned lifestyle adaptations

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe how patients with coronary artery disease, who have had one or more cardiac interventions, were maintaining their planned lifestyle adaptations at four months after the intervention. Furthermore, the study aimed to develop guidelines to further assist patients in maintaining lifestyle adaptations. A descriptive study was undertaken using the survey method. The population consisted of 65 participants (42 males, 23 females) from five private hospitals in Gauteng. The questions for a questionnaire were derived from a conceptual framework. The participants first completed the questionnaire immediately before they were discharged, and again over the telephone four months after the intervention. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data obtained. The results showed that patients suffering from coronary artery disease do adapt their lifestyle after interventions, but most patients find it problematic to stop smoking. It is essential for patients with coronary artery disease to maintain lifestyle adaptations to ensure further health and prevention of recurrence of the same prob- lems. These adaptations should be a lifelong commitment.