Physical activity in the life of patients with cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common non-communicable disease and a leading cause of death.   Despite scientific knowledge suggesting that CVD might be preventable to a large extent, cardiovascular diseases in Slovakia account for 50% of overall mortality.  The most important condition to prevent CVD is patients' involvement in the management of their own health. Aim: Based on the theoretical analysis and own research, this study aimed to expand the knowledge and investigate patients´ awareness of the importance of physical activity in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Methods: This study was supported by the Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic and the Slovak Academy of Sciences under the VEGA Grant No. 1/0825/17 „Recommendations for physical activities in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases and their implementation in the eastern part of Slovakia." The survey participants comprised 361 cardiovascular patients. For data collection, we used a non-standardized questionnaire that contained 29 questions and was designed for a total completion time of 20 minutes under the supervision of an administrator. Results and discussion: Most patients (93.7%) obtained information about their health problems and treatment options from general practitioners. 60.6% of the patients recognized the positive impact of regular PA on their health problem. Up to three-quarters of all patients received such information from nursing staff, of those one-quarter was informed in details and nearly half   of all respondents were aware of minimum PA requirements, even for patients at risk. This finding does not correspond with the level of importance patients assign to individual factors influencing the prevention and treatment of CVD. They put the most significant emphasis on diet and nutrition, followed by regular medical checkups, and only one-third recognized the importance of the physical activity. Nevertheless, it reflects the actual state since the same number of patients performs regular PA three times a week or more. Conclusion: The results uncovered attitude discrepancies towards physical activity. While most patients admit the positive impact of PA, only one-third meet the recommendations.