1.
Nonpharmacological interventions for the prevention of hypertension in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Saif-Ur-Rahman, KM, Shariful Islam, S, Hasan, M, Hossain, S, Mamun, R, Shafique, S, Mamun, A, Khalequzzaman, M, Haseen, F, Rahman, A, et al
Journal of human hypertension. 2019;(11):786-794
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Abstract
Hypertension is the single biggest cause of various cardiovascular complications and at the same time one of the most preventable phenomena. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are facing increasing prevalence of hypertension which is imposing a huge burden on morbidity, premature mortality, and catastrophic health expenditure. This systematic review searched for the nonpharmacological interventions for prevention of hypertension among normotensive people in LMICs considering the period 1990-2016. This review has been conducted following standard methodology of Cochrane review involving two independent reviewers in screening, quality appraisal, and data extraction. Narrative synthesis of included articles was demonstrated using tables and meta-analysis was conducted to pool the estimates of studies which fulfilled the criteria. Total seven trials were included in the review with 6046 participants from eight LMICs. Two cluster randomized trials were pooled and there was a statistically significant effect (Systolic Blood Pressure: mean difference -2.35 [95% CI: -4.31 to -0.38], Diastolic Blood Pressure: mean difference -2.11 [95% CI: -3.20 to -1.02]) of home based health education in reducing blood pressure. Three individual studies reported reduction of blood pressure as a result of restricted dietary sodium intake. None of the studies was appraised as low risk of bias due to poor methodological quality. Non-pharmacological interventions can play important role in preventing the development of hypertension among normotensive people. Further trials with longer follow-up period and robust methods are recommended for getting stronger evidence on these interventions.
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Managing lifestyle change to reduce coronary risk: a synthesis of qualitative research on peoples' experiences.
Astin, F, Horrocks, J, Closs, SJ
BMC cardiovascular disorders. 2014;:96
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is an incurable condition. The only approach known to slow its progression is healthy lifestyle change and concordance with cardio-protective medicines. Few people fully succeed in these daily activities so potential health improvements are not fully realised. Little is known about peoples' experiences of managing lifestyle change. The aim of this study was to synthesise qualitative research to explain how participants make lifestyle change after a cardiac event and explore this within the wider illness experience. METHODS A qualitative synthesis was conducted drawing upon the principles of meta-ethnography. Qualitative studies were identified through a systematic search of 7 databases using explicit criteria. Key concepts were identified and translated across studies. Findings were discussed and diagrammed during a series of audiotaped meetings. RESULTS The final synthesis is grounded in findings from 27 studies, with over 500 participants (56% male) across 8 countries. All participants experienced a change in their self-identity from what was 'familiar' to 'unfamiliar'. The transition process involved 'finding new limits and a life worth living' , 'finding support for self' and 'finding a new normal'. Analyses of these concepts led to the generation of a third order construct, namely an ongoing process of 'reassessing past, present and future lives' as participants considered their changed identity. Participants experienced a strong urge to get back to 'normal'. Support from family and friends could enable or constrain life change and lifestyle changes. Lifestyle change was but one small part of a wider 'life' change that occurred. CONCLUSIONS The final synthesis presents an interpretation, not evident in the primary studies, of a person-centred model to explain how lifestyle change is situated within 'wider' life changes. The magnitude of individual responses to a changed health status varied. Participants experienced distress as their notion of self identity shifted and emotions that reflected the various stages of the grief process were evident in participants' accounts. The process of self-managing lifestyle took place through experiential learning; the level of engagement with lifestyle change reflected an individual's unique view of the balance needed to manage 'realistic change' whilst leading to a life that was perceived as 'worth living'. Findings highlight the importance of providing person centred care that aligns with both psychological and physical dimensions of recovery which are inextricably linked.
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Lifestyle interventions in patients with coronary heart disease: a systematic review.
de Waure, C, Lauret, GJ, Ricciardi, W, Ferket, B, Teijink, J, Spronk, S, Myriam Hunink, MG
American journal of preventive medicine. 2013;(2):207-16
Abstract
CONTEXT Coronary heart disease (CHD) is responsible for about 15% of all deaths worldwide and is identified as a top priority for decision makers. Both primary and secondary prevention are considered key strategies in the prevention of CHD. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of nonpharmacologic interventions with multiple lifestyle components in patients with established CHD in comparison to usual care. For this reason, a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs were performed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were examined until March 31, 2012 (without start date) in order to identify studies addressing patient-tailored multifactorial lifestyle interventions aimed at reducing more than one cardiovascular risk factor in patients with established CHD. Primary endpoints were fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. Secondary outcomes were overall mortality and cardiovascular disease-associated hospital readmissions. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS The search strategy yielded 14 unique RCTs, which were considered in the qualitative analysis. Nine of them contributed to the meta-analysis. A random effects model was used to pool the data. The meta-analysis showed a significant risk reduction of 18% (relative risk 0.82, 95% CI=0.69, 0.98) of fatal cardiovascular events in patients undergoing multifactorial lifestyle interventions. Further, a nonsignificant reduction of nonfatal events, overall mortality and hospital readmissions was found. CONCLUSIONS Multifactorial lifestyle interventions aimed at improving modifiable risk factors in patients with established CHD reduce the risk for fatal cardiovascular events. Therefore, they may have added value in secondary prevention of CHD.