A meta-analysis of psychoeducational programs for coronary heart disease patients

In a meta-analysis of 37 studies, the effects of psychoeducational (health education and stress management) programs for coronary heart disease patien ts were examined. The results suggest that these programs yielded a 34% red uction in cardiac mortality; a 29% reduction in recurrence of myocardial in farction (MI); and significant (p <.025) positive effects on blood pressure , cholesterol, body weight, smoking behavior, physical exercise, and eating habits. No effects of psychoeducational programs were found in regard to c oronary bypass surgery, anxiety, or depression. The results also suggest th at cardiac rehabilitation programs that were successful on proximal targets (systolic blood pressure, smoking behavior, physical exercise, emotional d istress) were more effective on distal targets (cardiac mortality and MI re currences) than programs without success on proximal targets.