Abstract

Aim.The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) in men with myocardial infarction (MI).

Background. Myocardial infarction is the most common cardiovascular disease and considered as the main cause of mortality in the world including Iran. The studies show modification of unhealthy lifestyle is a preventive method in cardiovascular diseases.Nutrition knowledge and physical activity are important factors in reducing serum lipid levels and prevention of cardiovascular disease, particularly myocardial infarction. Modification and promotion of nutrition knowledge and physical activity levels in individuals with history of cardiovascular disease may reduce the risk of myocardial infarction.

Method. This is a quasi-experimental study in which 150 men from Milad Hospital in Tehran (mean age of 58.01 with standard deviation of 3.58 years, mean weight of 80.8 with standard deviation of 13.18 Kg, and mean height 174.24 cm with standard deviation 6.43 cm) were selected by Morgan table to fill two questionnaires of nutrition knowledge (Wardle 1999) and of physical activity level. After 12 hours fasting, HDL-C, LDL-C and total cholesterol levels were measured in all subjects. The data was analyzed in the significance level of 0.05.

Findings. The findings showed that there was a statistically significant correlation of nutrition knowledge and physical activity level with LDL-C and total cholesterol in adult men with MI, but no significant correlation with HDL-C was found.

Conclusion. According to the results, with promoting nutrition knowledge and physical activity level in men with MI, the risk of cardiovascular diseases (especially myocardial infarction) can be controlled.

Aim. This study was conducted to examine the effect of deep and slow breathing on pain and pain outcomes during arterial sheath removal after undergoing coronary angioplasty.

Background. During the last 30 years, coronary angioplasty has been the most common method for management of coronary artery stenosis. Lack of control or treatment of the pain caused by arterial sheath removal may have some consequences, most notably increased heart rate and blood pressure in patients.

Method. This is a clinical trial study conducted on 60 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty, hospitalized between April and August 2015 in the catheterization laboratory of Shariati hospital, Tehran, Iran. Patients were divided into two groups using random number table. The intervention was slow, deep breathing techniques by inhale and exhale ratio of 4 to 6. Data were analyzed using SPSS.

Findings. Immediately and 5 minutes after sheath removal, the average pain score in the intervention group  was significantly lower rather than control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of blood pressure and heart rate average. The average number of vasovagal attack was significantly different between the groups. The average number of vascular complications was not significantly different between intervention and control group.

Conclusion. The use of slow and deep breathing and relaxation technique is effective on pain management and the incidence of vasovagal attacks after arterial sheath removal, and can be used as an easy and safe method to decrease patients’ discontent caused by pain.