Lifestyle changes in long term survivors of acute myocardial infarction.

A retrospective questionnaire and interview study of 10 year survivors of uncomplicated myocardial infarction examined smoking, diet, exercise, weight, medication, and treatment since discharge from hospital in 1973-4 and made comparisons with controls (using the same questionnaire) and with normal populations (as reported by others). Long term survivors of myocardial infarction previously smoked more than controls; made more dietary changes than controls; and presently eat less butter, sugar, cake, and biscuits and drink less milk than controls; previously weighed more than controls; exercised less than controls both previously and presently; use more 'non-cardiac' as well as 'cardiac' drugs than controls; and are more depressed and more anxious than controls.