Short and long term effect of treatment non-pharmacological and lifestyle in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a complex disorder represented by a set of cardiovascular risk factors usually related to central fat deposition, insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. It is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in response to chronic inflammation and vascular endothelial dysfunction, increasing overall mortality. The objective to evaluate the short and long term effect of the comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program and intensive lifestyle intervention in metabolic syndrome patients. METHODS: This is longitudinal interventional study. All patients underwent a 20-session cardiac rehabilitation program with aerobic and resisted exercises as well as an educational program for lifestyle changes and follow up 1 year. RESULTS: Forty seven patients participated in the present study, but only 28 concluded the follow up. 77.7% were females and the majority was older than 60 years (63.1%). After cardiac rehabilitation, the percentage of overweight (0.04) patients who controlled the SBP (0.04) increased, and obesity levels I and II were reduced, as well as a significant reduction in total cholesterol and triglycerides (0.01 and 0.05), all of these variables remained similar after 1 year of follow-up. After cardiac rehabilitation all participants were practicing the five factors of healthy lifestyle, and reduced to 73% after follow up. CONCLUSION: A comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program and lifestyle change is an effective approach in the treatment of patients with MS mainly, it has positive short and long term effects on weight control, reducing total cholesterol and triglycerides.