Myocardial infarction (MI) is the
condition of irreversible necrosis of the heart
muscle that results from prolonged ischemia. After
World War II coronary heart disease (CHD) assumed
epidemic proportions in western countries,
nowadays, myocardial infarction is the leading cause
of death in developed countries. Although
conventional medical treatments may help an
individual recover from a heart attack, the role of
accurate information and education is important
for cardiac rehabilitation. Objective: The objective
of the present study was to evaluate the degree that
education can influence the behaviour of the
patients with first‐manifestated myocardial
infarction towards the modifiable risk factors for
coronary disease. Material and method: The
sample study included 59 patients nursing in
hospitals with the diagnosis of myocardial
infarction. The data were collected by the
completion of anonymous questionnaire during
personal interview with the researcher at the
baseline and after 6 months, in 2003‐04. Apart from
the demographic‐characteristics, the questionnaire
was consisted of items related to risk factors of the
disease, the personal and family history, and the
medicine therapy and laboratory tests. After the
completion of the questionnaire, accurate information pertaining the modifiable risk factors of
coronary disease was presented to the patients and
printed instructions concerning dietary rules were
distributed. The follow‐up took place 6 months later
with the completion of the same questionnaire and
laboratory tests. The compliance of the patients to
the instructions given and to the new model of life
according to the proposed dietary was evaluated
during this follow‐up period. Results: Statistical
analysis of the data showed that 79,7% were men
and 20,3% were women. The mean age was 62
±11,88 years old. The main risk factors for
myocardial infraction were hypertension (74,6%), diabetes mellitus (40,7%), family history of
coronary disease (50,8). Before acute myocardial
infarction, the prevalence of high cholesterol was to
a percentage of 72,9% of the patients, the
percentage of current smokers was 71,2% and the
percentage of alcohol users was 32,2%. Comparing
the results of the first interview with the second
interview, accrued a reduction to total cholesterol
with statistically significant difference p=<0,001.
According to the first laboratory test, the mean value
of ΗDL was 46,23±13,08 and the mean value of LDL
was 144,60 ±46,17. At the follow‐up after the
information and instructions were given to the
patients, the mean values were 53,69±11,83 for HDL
with statistically significant difference, p=<0,001
and 131,47 ± 58, for LDL with statistically
significant difference, p=<0,004. The mean value of
TG at the baseline laboratory test was 157,83 ±
95,56 and at follow‐up was 155,02 ± 124,69 with
statistically significant difference, p=<0,021.
Conclusion: The development of coronary heart
disease is directly connected to the way of life and
can be prevented with the management of the
known risk factors which are responsible for leading
to myocardial infarction. Prevention and health
education is the most important aim in primary
health care, especially in individuals of high‐risk, whereas the discontinuation of attitudes in the
modern way of living through programs of
rehabilitation and information is judged necessary.
An educational strategy is required to improve
knowledge about a wide range of issues concerning
myocardial infarction and thus initiate a new life
style adjusted to the demands of the disease.