[Healthy heart: Results of a community education program on cardiovascular health].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the knowledge of the population about heart-healthy habits through a training program supplemented by a web site and community activities.

DESIGN: A controlled clinical trial with intervention done through participation in the Cardiovascular Health Training Classroom (CHTC) LOCATION: A town of 80,000 inhabitants.

PATIENTS: both sexes, aged 55 to 70 years, with at least one cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF).

INTERVENTION: The intervention group (IG) consisted of patients who participated in the CHTC. Intervention was carried out through a 20-hour presential group course in which a support web site was offered and complementary activities were organized. Classes were taught by three Primary Care nurses.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The primary endpoint was knowledge of CVRF. The secondary variables were age, sex, CVRF, lifestyle, visits to health centers, pharmaceutical use adherence, and satisfaction with the program.

RESULTS: Data from patients in the first 10 courses (n=150) were evaluated. A statistically significant improvement was observed in overall knowledge of CVRF in the IG (87.3% to 100%) compared with control group (GC) (84.5% to 92.7%), p<.001, as well as an improvement in physical activity is (IG: 71.2% to 83.1% versus CG: 72.6% to 78.2%), p=.05. The total number of Primary Care visits (medical and nursing) decreased in the IG more than in the CG. The satisfaction rate of the course was very high.

CONCLUSIONS: This experience is effective in improving cardiovascular health knowledge and promoting some healthy habits.