Impact of the Heart WATCH Program on Patients at Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome, Prediabetes or Cardiovascular Disease

Authors

Jennifer T. Fink, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeFollow
Kathryn K. Havens, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical CenterFollow
Julia A. Schumacher, Aurora Health CareFollow
Renee E. Walker, Joseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin-MilwaukeeFollow
George L. Morris III, Aurora Health CareFollow
David A. Nelson, Medical College of WisconsinFollow
Maharaj Singh, Aurora Research Institute, Aurora Health CareFollow
Ron A. Cisler, Center for Urban Population HealthFollow

Publication Date

4-30-2015

Keywords

metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, women, weight loss intervention, multidisciplinary team

Abstract

Purpose

Metabolic syndrome is a set of metabolic risk factors associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program (Heart WATCH) geared toward reducing development of chronic disease in women deemed at risk for metabolic syndrome, prediabetes and/or cardiovascular disease.

Methods

Our institution’s Heart WATCH program consists of screening sessions with a multidisciplinary team (physician/nurse, nutritionist and psychologist), a minimum of three visits with a nurse practitioner and weekly follow-up phone calls for a 14-week period. Sociodemographic variables were obtained at initial visit. Biometric testing indices and self-reported clinical and behavioral health measures were recorded pre- and postintervention, and compared using paired t-tests or McNemar’s test as appropriate.

Results

Heart WATCH enrolled 242 women from November 2006 to April 2014, and 193 (80%) completed all phases of the 14-week lifestyle intervention. Postintervention, participants demonstrated improved health status in all areas and improved significantly in the following areas: diet/nutrition (P=0.014), exercise (P<0.001), stress (P<0.0001), quality of life (P=0.003), weight (P<0.0001), waist circumference (P=0.01) and total cholesterol (P=0.019). Clinically meaningful improvements were realized by participants who moved to a healthier classification in a number of vital signs and blood panel indices.

Conclusions

These findings suggest the “elevated risk profile” for women with components of metabolic syndrome can be reversed through a lifestyle program focused on reducing risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease and prediabetes. Future research is needed to determine mechanisms of risk reduction as well as optimal patient-centered and culturally appropriate approaches to weight management.

Recommended Citation

Fink JT, Havens KK, Schumacher JA, Walker RE, Morris GL 3rd, Nelson DA, Singh M, Cisler RA. Impact of the Heart WATCH program on patients at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, prediabetes or cardiovascular disease. J Patient Cent Res Rev. 2015;2:56-63. doi: 10.17294/2330-0698.1035