A comprehensive event-analysis of the extensive lifestyle management intervention trial

Cardiac rehabilitation programs (CRP) improve ischemic heart disease risk factors but these deteriorate after completion of the program. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the better management of risk factors achieved by the Extensive Lifestyle Management Intervention had an effect in survival after a four-year follow-up, as well as to determine predictors of survival. Methods: Data was analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves to compare survival between the intervention and the usual care groups and the Cox regression model to determine predictors of survival. Results: Both groups had similar survival times for all end-points. Exercise capacity and lipid-lowering medications were predictors of increased survival, whereas age, illness intrusiveness and taking certain medications were predictors of decreased survival. Conclusion: Although group assignment was not a predictor of survival, risk factors that improved by the intervention were important predictors of mortality, and their management after graduation of the CRP is important.