A groundbreaking study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) in Chicago on March 30 has shown that patients who receive heart health counseling from specially trained nurses are 30% less likely to suffer from serious cardiovascular events—such as death, heart attack, or stroke—within five years of being hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Acute coronary syndrome encompasses a range of conditions, including heart attacks, where blood flow to the heart is suddenly obstructed. This condition remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease globally. Patients recovering from ACS usually require an array of medications and lifestyle changes—like maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and losing excess weight—to minimize the risk of future cardiac episodes. However, adhering to these recommendations is a significant challenge for many.

In response to this challenge, healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the vital role that nurses can play in reducing the incidence of future cardiac issues. This Italian trial stands as the largest to date assessing the long-term benefits of a nurse-led intervention after ACS, paving the way for innovative healthcare practices.

Dr. Giulia Magnani, a cardiologist at Parma University Hospital, who led the study, emphasized the growing necessity for personalized and patient-centric healthcare models. "There is a pressing demand for strategies that bridge the gaps in healthcare services, allowing other healthcare professionals to take on roles traditionally held by physicians," Magnani explained.

The research involved 2,057 patients treated for ACS across seven hospitals in Italy. Participants were divided into two groups: one received comprehensive nurse-led follow-up care, while the other was treated with standard protocols, which included at least three follow-up visits with a cardiologist over five years.

Patients in the nurse-led group benefited from at least nine individualized sessions with a nurse coordinator throughout their recovery journey, starting during hospitalization and continuing for up to four years post-discharge. Trained specifically in cardiology secondary prevention, these nurses conducted thorough risk assessments, monitored medication adherence, and provided essential encouragement for lifestyle adjustments. When necessary, they also referred patients to multidisciplinary teams for additional support.

The results were striking. After five years, the primary composite endpoint—a combination of cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack, or non-fatal stroke—was 30% lower in the nurse-led group. Most notably, the reduction was predominantly linked to a significant fall in non-fatal heart attacks. Although there was a trend towards fewer cases of cardiovascular death and stroke in the nurse-led group, the data did not show statistical significance for these specific outcomes.

Moreover, patients who engaged with the nurse-led follow-up not only exhibited significant improvements in physical activity and medication adherence but also experienced a reduction in body mass index. However, no significant changes were noted regarding smoking cessation or cholesterol levels (LDL).

Researchers underscored the unique position of nurses in driving behavioral changes amongst patients. "Nurses are essential in the healthcare ecosystem, often serving as the first point of contact for patients and their families. Patients often feel more at ease discussing lifestyle modifications with nurses, while cardiologists primarily focus on pharmacological treatments," Magnani shared.

While this study's scope was limited to Italian healthcare facilities, the validated nurse training program can potentially be adapted for implementation in other countries, including the US and UK, where advanced practice providers play an integral role in cardiology care.

This pivotal research could mark a transformative shift in how heart health is managed in the aftermath of ACS, spotlighting the critical role that dedicated nursing care can play in enhancing patient outcomes.

Stay tuned as we continue to bring you the latest in cardiovascular health and innovative healthcare solutions!