ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: In the rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and after myocardial infarction (MI), lifestyle modifications-exercise and nutritional therapy, smoking cessation, stress management-are essential and have a major, long-term impact on the overall health of patients. METHODS: After MI and acute primary care, a lifestyle medicine team (medical doctors, dietitian, exercise physiologist) supervised the therapy of a 40 year-old male patient for 12 months. The program included assessments, regular medical controls, personalized diet, and exercise therapy monitored by a heart rate watch. RESULTS: Gradual and continuous weight loss, major reduction in medication and significant improvement in fitness level, blood glucose level, and cardiac function were measured after the program. Due to these positive changes, the patient's overall health improved to an even better level than before his MI. CONCLUSION: The results of this program highlight the benefits and importance of the personalized therapy and the lifestyle medicine team approach in the rehabilitation of CVD patients. Individualized and supervised lifestyle therapy should be part of the primary hospital care of CVD patients lead by medical doctors and supported by other health care providers.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Obesity, or adiposity-based chronic disease (ABCD), is one of the most common health risk factors nowadays. Regular exercise-part of complex lifestyle medicine program-is effective treatment for obesity but is still underestimated. Monitoring andindividualization by an exercise professional is needed to define the accurate dose effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 30-week lifestyle change program of a 65-year-old male patient (body mass index (BMI) 43.8 kg/m2) was followed by a medical doctor, exercise physiologist, and nutritionist. Over regular controls and blood tests, each training activity was measured with a heart rate monitor watch, and a diet diary was written. RESULTS: Bodyweight decreased by 24.1 kg (18.4%) and BMI to 35.8 kg/m2. Decreased resting heart rate (from 72 bpm to 63 bpm), diastolic blood pressure (from 72 mmHg to 67 mmHg), and increased systolic blood pressure (from 126 mmHg to 135 mmHg) were reported, besides the reduction in antihypertensive and antidiabetic medicines. Blood test results and fitness level improved, and daily steps and time spent training increased. CONCLUSIONS: Lifestyle medicine with professional support is an effective and long-term treatment for ABCD. Individualized exercise and nutritional therapy are essential, and wearable technology with telemedicine consultation also has an important role.