Six-month programme on lifestyle changes in primary cardiovascular prevention: A telemedicine pilot study

Background: Technology and information systems enabling transmission of patients’ data and ability to provide and exchange professional support remotely to the general practitioners can improve quality and continuity of care.Design: We set up a programme of primary prevention in 27 patients at risk for cardiovascular diseases by using Telemedicine Service for 6 months.Methods: Telemedicine Service enlisted the involvement of physicians and nurse-tutors. The following cardiovascular activity markers were assessed: (i) cardiovascular risk cards (Framingham Study and Progetto CUORE); (ii) blood pressure; (iii) physical activity (three sessions of bicycle exercise training and calisthenic exercises a week); and (iv) questionnaires on stress and quality of life.Results: Both cardiovascular risk cards showed a statistically significant reduction of the score (p < 0.05). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures showed a statistically significant reduction (128 ± 10 mmHg vs. 121 ± 9 mmHg, p = 0.04; 80 ± 8 mmHg vs. ...