Combining Internet with office visits cut heart attack risks

Good doctor-patient communication helps reduce the risk of heart disease, according to a Temple University School of Medicine study. The four-year study included patients who were at risk for cardiovascular disease but were otherwise healthy. The patients were divided into two groups, a control group and a telemedicine group. Both groups were given a device to measure their blood pressure and a pedometer to record how many steps they took each day, along with advice on exercise and its benefits in preventing heart disease. Both groups involved in the study showed significant reductions in blood pressure, lipid levels and cardiovascular disease scores, and were able to walk further distances.