A new report on the outcomes of an innovative digital cardiovascular disease prevention and recovery programme developed by Croí, the Irish heart and stroke charity, which was launched by Minister for Health & Children, Stephen Donnelly TD this week, has found that the programme 'has delivered significant health improvements for participants, including those from Mayo'.
Croí stated: "The Croí MySláinte programme, funded by the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019, had to be delivered virtually due to restrictions on traditional healthcare delivery imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Croí’s pivot to virtual delivery involved the creation of a newly-developed interactive platform, which enabled participants to access the programme from the comfort and safety of their home, including access to pre-recorded videos, resources and links to weekly live Zoom sessions.
"The core components of the programme included lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, healthy food choices and physical activity; medical risk factor management of blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose; and electronic prescribing of cardio-protective medication where appropriate.
"A total of 105 people, who had experienced a cardiac event such as a heart attack, opted to take part in the initiative. Participants were aged between 35 and 84 years, and were referred from cardiac centres across the west of Ireland, including Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Limerick and Donegal. Following a total of 423 virtual consultations over a period of 12 weeks, a range of health improvements resulted for those involved, including: (1 ) Physical activity levels increased almost six-fold, (2 ) Blood pressure control improved from 24% to 68%, (3 ) LDL cholesterol target achievement increased from 14% to 41%, (4 ) Over half of participants (57% ) lost more than 2% of their bodyweight, with almost a quarter (23% ) losing 5% or more and (5 ) Anxiety and depression levels among participants were reduced by more than half.
"Many of the participants were also living with other health issues such as diabetes, arthritis, chronic kidney disease and cancer, meaning wider benefits for their other conditions also.
"Participants were empowered to manage their health and well-being, stress and emotional eating. Advice was also provided on making and maintaining lifestyle changes in the areas of sleep hygiene, sexual health and returning to work. In addition, participants were provided with a Fitbit device to track their daily exercise activity, as well as blood pressure monitors for home measurement, and food and exercise diaries to help monitor progress towards their goals.
"The programme, which was overseen by a consultant cardiologist, was delivered by a specialist interdisciplinary health team comprised of a cardiovascular nurse prescriber, a physiotherapist and a dietitian.
"The full report and patient testimonials are available to read at www.croi.ie/MySlainte For anyone concerned about their heart health or seeking information on heart disease or stroke, contact Croí’s health team on (091 ) 544310 or visit www.croi.ie"
