Cardiac rehabilitation survey: maintenance of lifestyle changes and perception of program value.

Graduates from a Phase II cardiac rehabilitation program were surveyed about their maintenance of healthy lifestyle changes from 1 to 4 years after completing the program. Patients were queried about their continued performance of routine aerobic exercise; use of safe exercise principles; adherence to a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet; and surveillance of lipid levels. Results showed that 74% of patient graduates reported exercising aerobically three to four times weekly, and 50% used their pulse rate to guide exercise intensity. The patients were also asked their opinions about the value of the cardiac rehabilitation program; 91% of patients reported an improvement in their quality of life, and 97% felt the program was a good use of insurance dollars. The findings of this study have implications for program evaluation and modification.