Better Knowledge Improves Adherence to Lifestyle Changes and Medication in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

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Abstract
Background: Many patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) are not managed adequately, and we often fail to reach treatment targets. Aim: To investigate if knowledge of risk factors for CHD, measured by a questionnaire, would show any relation to advice to compliance to lifestyle changes to attain treatment goals and adherence to drug therapy. Method: Men and women Results: There were statistically significant correlations between general knowledge about risk factors for CHD and compliance to certain lifestyle changes: weight, physical activity, stress management, diet, attainment of lipid level goals and the likelihood of taking prescribed blood pressure-lowering drugs. General knowledge of risk factors had no correlation to blood glucose or blood pressure levels nor on smoking habits or treatment patterns for prescribed lipid- and blood glucose-lowering drugs. Conclusion: Knowledge correlates to patient behaviour with respect to some risk factors, which should be recognised in preventive programs.