Long-Term Effects of Integrated Rehabilitation in Patients with Advanced Angina Pectoris: A Nonrandomized Comparative Study

Objectives: An evaluation of Integrative Rehabilitation (IR) of patients with angina pectoris with respect to death rate, the need for invasive treatment, and cost effectiveness. Design: A report from a clinical database. Death rates were compared to those of the general Danish population matched for age, gender, and observation period, as well as with data from the literature concerning medical and invasive treatments. Setting: The treatment was carried out as an ambulatory treatment in a private clinic. Subjects: One hundred and sixty-eight (168) patients with angina pectoris, of whom 103 were candidates for invasive treatment and 65 for whom this had been rejected. Interventions: Integrated rehabilitation consists of acupuncture, a self-care program including acupressure, Chinese health philosophy, stress management techniques, and lifestyle adjustments. Outcome measures: Death rate from any cause, the need for invasive treatment, and health care expenses. Results: The 3-year accumulated risk of death ...