Researchers followed 155 people who completed a heart health program to see if they kept up their healthy habits six months later. Most people maintained good exercise routines, quit smoking, and improved their diet, which is great news. However, some health measures like weight, blood pressure, and mood got worse after the program ended. The study suggests that hospitals should create better support systems—like using apps and text reminders—to help heart patients stay motivated and healthy long after they leave the program.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether people who completed a heart rehabilitation program could keep up their healthy habits and improvements six months after finishing the program
  • Who participated: 155 people (mostly men, average age 68 years old) who had completed a 12-week heart health program at a community hospital
  • Key finding: About two-thirds of participants kept up with exercise, healthy eating, and not smoking, but many gained weight back and their blood pressure went up again
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one completes a heart program, you’ll likely keep some healthy habits, but you may need extra support to maintain all the improvements—especially with weight management and blood pressure control

The Research Details

Researchers tracked 155 people before they started a heart health program, right after they finished it, and then again six months later. This is called a longitudinal study because it follows the same people over time. The participants answered questions about their health, lifestyle, and quality of life at each checkpoint. They also filled out an online survey describing what helped them stay healthy and what made it difficult. The researchers used statistical analysis to see which improvements stuck around and which ones faded away.

This type of study is important because it shows what really happens in the real world after people leave a structured program. Many studies only measure results right after a program ends, but this one checked in six months later to see if the benefits lasted. This gives us a more honest picture of whether these programs actually help people long-term.

The study was conducted at a real community hospital, which makes the results more applicable to everyday people. However, the sample was mostly white, college-educated men, so the results might not apply equally to all groups. The researchers used both numbers (surveys) and personal stories (interviews) to understand the full picture, which strengthens the findings. The study size of 155 people is reasonable for this type of research.

What the Results Show

The good news: Most participants kept exercising regularly, maintained their non-smoking status, and continued eating healthier six months after the program ended. Their quality of life—how good they felt day-to-day—also stayed improved. These are the sticky habits that people managed to keep. The challenging news: Weight came back for many people, blood pressure increased again, and some people felt more depressed. This suggests that while people can maintain exercise and diet changes, they need ongoing support to manage weight and emotional health. The researchers found that people were motivated by wanting to stay healthy for their families and by their own determination, but they struggled without the structure and support of the program.

When researchers asked people about their experiences, common themes emerged. People valued their family and friends as motivation to stay healthy. They understood the importance of exercise, diet, and weight management. However, they identified real barriers like finding time to exercise, managing stress, and staying motivated without the program’s support. Many people said they would have benefited from continued check-ins and guidance after the program ended.

Previous research showed that people can maintain improvements for up to 12 months after a heart program, but this study confirms that without ongoing support, some health measures slip backward. This research adds to our understanding by showing which specific outcomes are easier to maintain (exercise and diet) versus which ones need more support (weight and blood pressure). It aligns with other studies showing that structured programs work well, but the challenge is what happens after people go home.

The study only followed people for six months, so we don’t know what happens after that. The group studied was mostly white, college-educated men, so results might be different for women, other racial groups, or people with less education. The researchers used a convenience sample, meaning they studied people who were available and willing to participate, which might not represent all heart patients. Finally, the study relied on people remembering and honestly reporting their health habits, which can be inaccurate.

The Bottom Line

If you complete a heart health program, plan ahead for how you’ll stay active and eat well after it ends. Consider asking your doctor about ongoing support options like phone check-ins, apps, or support groups. Set specific, realistic goals for exercise (like walking 30 minutes most days) and weight management. Tell your family and friends about your goals so they can support you. Monitor your blood pressure regularly at home and watch for signs of depression, reporting any concerns to your doctor. Confidence level: Moderate—these recommendations are based on what worked for most participants in this study.

This research is especially important for people who have had a heart attack, heart surgery, or been diagnosed with heart disease. It’s also relevant for their families and caregivers who want to support them. Healthcare providers should pay attention because it shows the need for better follow-up programs. People without heart disease can learn that maintaining healthy habits requires ongoing support, not just initial motivation.

You’ll likely see benefits from exercise and diet changes within weeks. However, weight loss and blood pressure control typically take 2-3 months of consistent effort. The biggest challenge comes around 3-6 months after a program ends, when motivation naturally decreases. Plan for this by setting up support systems before you need them.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly exercise minutes (goal: 150 minutes), daily steps, weekly weight (same day/time), and blood pressure readings twice weekly. Also log mood/depression symptoms on a 1-10 scale to catch emotional changes early.
  • Set up app reminders for daily walks at the same time each day. Use the app to log meals and track sodium intake. Create a weekly check-in where you review your progress and adjust goals. Connect with a friend or family member through the app to share your goals and celebrate wins together.
  • Use the app to create a 6-month maintenance plan starting before your program ends. Set monthly goals that gradually become more independent. Track not just numbers (weight, blood pressure) but also how you feel. If you notice weight creeping up or mood declining, alert your healthcare provider immediately rather than waiting for your next appointment.

This research describes what happened in one community hospital program and may not apply to all heart rehabilitation programs or all patients. The findings suggest trends but are not medical advice. If you have heart disease or have completed a cardiac rehabilitation program, discuss these findings with your cardiologist or healthcare provider before making any changes to your health routine. This study does not replace personalized medical guidance from your healthcare team. Always consult your doctor before starting new exercise programs or making significant dietary changes, especially if you have heart disease.