The impact of a self-management program on exercise adherence among patients discharged after coronary artery bypass grafts: A quasi-experimental study in Thailand

The effect of a self-management programme on blood pressure levels among people with hypertension: a randomised controlled trial

Background

Hypertension (HT) progression and complications depend on blood pressure levels. Managing blood pressure can reduce complications, increase well-being and improve quality of life.

Purpose

The study examined how an app-based self-management programme affected HT patients' blood pressure.

Methods

The Police General Hospital in Thailand employed a randomised controlled trial design between June 2022 and June 2023. Forty-eight people were randomly split into two groups using permuted blocks: the control group (n = 24) and the experimental group (n = 24). The experimental group monitored their blood pressure for 4 weeks using a combination of apps and the phone, whereas the control group received standard care. The information was gathered by measuring blood pressure. Descriptive statistics and t-tests for independence were employed to analyse the data.

Results

The independent t-test results revealed a statistically significant reduction in the systolic blood pressure levels of the experimental group after the intervention (t = 2.945, df = 46, p = 0.005). However, no significant decrease was observed in the diastolic blood pressure levels of the experimental group after the intervention (t = 0.877, df = 46, p = 0.385).

Conclusion

This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of a self-management programme utilising a mobile application in reducing blood pressure levels.

Cardio-Oncology: Managing Cardiovascular Complications of Cancer Therapies

This narrative review explores the complex relationship between cancer medicines and cardiovascular health in the junction of oncology and cardiology, known as cardio-oncology. The study examines the historical development of cancer treatments and highlights the growing importance of cardiovascular problems in patient care. This text delves into the topic of cardiotoxicity, examining both conventional chemotherapeutic drugs like anthracyclines and more recent tyrosine kinase and immune checkpoint inhibitors. The complex molecular and cellular mechanisms that control cardiovascular problems are explained, including an understanding of how genetic predisposition influences an individual's sensitivity. The narrative expands into the crucial realm of risk stratification and evaluation, revealing advanced instruments for identifying cardiovascular risk in cancer patients. The importance of non-invasive imaging methods and biomarkers in early detection and continuous monitoring is emphasized. The prioritization of preventive tactics emphasizes the need to take proactive measures incorporating therapies to protect the heart throughout cancer treatment. It also highlights the significance of making lifestyle improvements to reduce risk factors. The narrative emphasizes the changing collaborative treatment environment, advocating for merging oncologists and cardiologists in a coordinated endeavor to maximize patient outcomes. In addition to clinical factors, the review explores the critical domain of patient education and support, acknowledging its crucial role in promoting informed decision-making and improving overall patient well-being. The latter portions of the text anticipate and consider upcoming treatments and existing research efforts that offer the potential for the future of cardio-oncology. This review seeks to provide a detailed viewpoint on the intricate connection between cancer treatments and cardiovascular well-being. Its objective is to encourage a more profound comprehension of the subject and prompt careful contemplation regarding the comprehensive care of cancer patients who confront the intricate difficulties presented by their treatment plans.

Revolutionizing Cardiac Care: A Comprehensive Narrative Review of Cardiac Rehabilitation and the Evolution of Cardiovascular Medicine

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) stands as a global health crisis, with its complex web of conditions, including coronary artery disease, heart failure, hypertension, and stroke, continuing to exact a heavy toll on individuals and healthcare systems worldwide. Despite substantial advances in medical technology and pharmaceutical interventions, CVD remains a formidable adversary, necessitating innovative prevention, management, and rehabilitation approaches. In tracing the historical trajectory of CVD, the narrative reveals the antiquated practices of early 20th-century medicine, marked by extended bed rest as the primary modality for heart-related conditions. It underscores the critical juncture when exercise was first recognized as a therapeutic tool for cardiac health, setting the stage for the evolution of cardiac rehabilitation (CR). CR programs have transcended their initial focus on exercise, expanding to encompass dietary guidance, psychosocial support, and comprehensive risk factor modification. These holistic interventions enhance physical recovery and address the psychosocial and lifestyle aspects of CVD management, ultimately improving patients' overall well-being. CR programs increasingly leverage advanced technologies and personalized strategies to tailor interventions to individual patient needs, ultimately enhancing outcomes and reducing the burden of CVD. In conclusion, this narrative review illuminates the transformative journey of cardiac care, with a particular spotlight on the indispensable role of CR in reshaping the landscape of cardiovascular medicine. By evolving from historical practices to comprehensive, patient-centered interventions, CR has made significant strides in improving the prognosis, quality of life, and holistic well-being of individuals grappling with the complexities of CVD. Understanding this historical context and the contemporary advancements is paramount for healthcare professionals and policymakers as they navigate the intricate terrain of cardiovascular medicine and endeavor to mitigate the impact of this pervasive disease.