To avoid a heart attack or prevent a subsequent attack occurring, it is important to minimise the risks of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease (CHD). These include modifying lifestyle, drug treatment and regular monitoring.
Blood pressure and exercise (steps/day) of a patient in the recovery phase following a myocardial infarction and percutaneous coronary intervetion (PCI).
KIT Telemedical Solutions for Ischaemic Heart Disease
After a heart attack, lifelong drug treatment with various medications is required. This also applies to patients with CHD who have undergone coronary intervention (stent implant). In this case drug treatment is intended to prevent further stenosis or obstruction/blockage in the area of the stent (recurrent stenosis) as well as progression of the CHD resulting in possible myocardial infarction. In reality, however, some patients only half-heartedly adopt the recommended lifestyle changes (reducing stress, maintaining correct weight, healthy diet, increased exercise on a daily basis or regular endurance workout) or take the prescribed medication.
Patients can be helped in their day-to-day lives with simple measures, particularly in the recovery phase after a heart attack and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
- Creating a detailed medication plan with explanations regarding dosage
- Setting personal target parameters for blood pressure and physical exercise (e.g. min. 3000 steps/day)
- Blood pressure measured each day and exercise monitored with simple pedometer
- Weekly reports with integrated feedback module to support self-management
- Support for medical check-ups with data prepared in graphical form
Extending rehabilitation virtually
In the course of their stay in a rehabilitation clinic following a heart attack and PCI, patients are taught how to handle the condition. Individual measures to modify lifestyle are introduced in a number of therapy units over the course of about three weeks. KIT Telemedical Solutions allows doctors to create customised treatment plans for each patient for use at home to continue the benefits. In a simple operation the patient confirms that he/she has performed the required action, sends the readings taken and receives individual feedback from the attending physician or therapist.