The Effect of Rehabilitation On Changing In Eating Habits In Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction

Introduction: In Slovenia, cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death, the most severe of which is acute myocardial infarction, which develops when the coronary arteries are blocked. After overcoming an acute myocardial infarction and treatment, inpatient and then outpatient rehabilitation begins. Rehabilitation is the most urgent program aimed at managing cardiovascular risk factors and promoting a healthy lifestyle. It is very important to be aware that an unbalanced and unhealthy diet leads to the appearance of atherosclerosis, which leads to blockage of the vessels that supply the heart muscle, and consequently to ischemia of the heart muscle.

Methods: We used a quantitative methodology. The research was conducted from November 2019 to August 2020 with a modified questionnaire "Health-related behavioral style" in the cardiac rehabilitation clinic, which included 19 participants in rehabilitation.

Results: Outpatient cardiac rehabilitation has an impact on the change of lifestyle of respondents and the acquisition of new knowledge, especially in the field of risk factors for acute myocardial infarction, unhealthy diet, smoking, drinking alcohol and physical activity. Respondents rate their health condition as better after outpatient cardiac rehabilitation.

Discussion: Acute myocardial infarction is a dramatic disease and the leading cause of death and disability. Defense against acute myocardial infarction is a healthy lifestyle, which is also the foundation of rehabilitation after suffering an acute myocardial infarction.