Diet centers often focus on the diet and after images of their clients as proof of progress. And while this isn't necessarily a good way to measure a dieter's progress, those images often motivate other overweight people to pursue diets themselves. If that strategy can work for diet centers, reason says it could work for cardiac patients.
That's why Dr. Scott Grundy, director of The Center for Human Nutrition, and Dr. Margo Denke, assistant professor of internal medicine, serve on the national Advisory Committee of the Heart Patient of the Year awards program. The program is aimed at educating heart-attack patients and their families about the steps they can take to reduce significantly the risk of a second heart attack.
Since 1988 the Heart Patient of the Year award has honored heart-attack survivors who have made dramatic lifestyle changes that are known to reduce their chances of a second heart attack. Supported by a grant from SmithKline Beecham Consumer Brands, the awards program also recognizes physicians and related health professionals who have made outstanding contributions in helping heart patients return to full productive lives. "The purpose of the Heart Patient of the Year program is twofold, "Dr. Denke said. "The first is to congratulate heart-attack survivors who, through determination, have practiced a multipronged approach to reduce their chances of a second heart attack. Specifically, these patients have stopped smoking, lost weight, lowered their cholesterol levels, followed an American heart Association diet and participated in a regular exercise program.
"The second purpose is to promote the awardees as role models to other patients so that they will lower their risk factors and not fall victim to further cardiovascular disease." This year, 1,000 hospitals participated in the program. More than 400 patients were nominated by physicians and hospitals in 42 states. As part of their participation, physicians and patients receive educational materials, including the motivational videotape, "A Change of Heart," featuring talk-show host Larry King.
"This program encompasses the well-established benefits of secondary prevention," said Dr. Denke. "Of people who have had a heart attack, fully 40 percent will die from a second heart attack within 10 years. Reduction of known cardiac risk factors has been shown to reduce the likelihood of further cardiovascular disease-related events." The first place award is $10,000.
There are also awards for the patient's hospital or cardiac rehabilitation center, for three honorable mentions and for an outstanding family who supported a patient. "The lifestyle changes necessary for a heart-attack patient can seem over-whelming," said Dr. Denke. "That's why we recognize the contributions of the spouse and family to the patient's recovery. Their actions and support can mean the difference between success and failure." Because heart disease is often hereditary, special attention is given to the changes family members make in their own lifestyles after the warning of a parent's heart attack.
Both the patients and their physicians complete applications that are evaluated on the following criteria: changes in the patient's diet, physical fitness, smoking habits, overall increased awareness of their particular health problems, understanding of the effects of physical and emotional stress on hearts disease, motivation and inspiration of fellow cardiac patients and compliance with rescribed medication regimens.
