Elderly patients with cardiac disease are at high risk for physical deterioration during posthospital recovery and suffer frequent early readmission. Study results found that mental status and posthospital stress were significantly related to early readmission. (Author)

The development and validation of an inventory of preventive cardiology at the University of Virginia is described. The inventory contains two instruments designed to measure medical students' preinstructional and postinstructional knowledge of and attitude toward preventive cardiology. (Author/MLW)

Two anthropologists report on their investigation of sudden nocturnal deaths among Southeast Asian male refugees in the United States. They suggest that such deaths are attributable to a combination of genetically transmitted, physiological problems, cultural/religious beliefs, and psychological stress. (GC)

Compared three treatments for modifying Type A coronary-prone behavior pattern (TABP). Comprehensive behavior therapy (CBT), emphasizing self-control procedures, and group support (GS), encouraging change in TABP targets but without behavioral techniques, were contrasted to brief information (BI). Results with healthy male executives (N=38) showed…

Activities for sixth grade students that are part of the School Health Curriculum Project, "Our Health and Our Hearts," are described. Major concepts and instructional objectives for each activity are detailed. (CJ)

The development of a heart health evaluation instrument for a secondary level heart education program is summarized. (JMF)

Risk factors related to the incidence of heart disease are identified as target areas for education programs aimed at children. (JMF)

Examined the effect of 6-month hospital-based exercise training versus 6-month monitored home-based training in cardiac rehabilitation patients following surgery, investigating which conferred the greatest physical, quality of life, and social support benefits. Home-based training resulted in improvements in exercise performance as great as those…

Studied 183 heart patient-caregiver dyads to analyze gender and relationship singly and jointly with respect to process and outcome of caregiving. Determined strains caregivers experienced while caring for older heart patients six weeks and one year after hospital discharge. Findings showed consistent patterns of strain. Women, nonspousal…

A recent study suggests that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level may be a better predictor of heart disease than total cholesterol level. Even moderate amounts of aerobic exercise can raise the level of HDL-C and lower the risk of coronary artery disease. (SM)

Evaluated medical and psychological data collected over 36 years on 280 men to identify personality characteristics and attitudes possibly predictive of development of coronary heart disorder (CHD). Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) Hostility scores did not predict CHD, nor did 35-item scale derived from MMPI items judged to…

Results from a study of 82 males provide no statistical support and limited encouragement that genetic risk information may motivate persons to make positive changes in preventive health behaviors. Health risk assessments were used to identify subjects at risk for coronary heart disease or lung cancer because of genetic factors. (IAH)

A leading cause of sudden death among young athletes, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) does not always present cardiac signs and symptoms. Echocardiography offers the most effective means for diagnosis. Some patients require pharmaceutical or surgical intervention. Patients with HCM should not engage in organized competitive sports or…