Heartlinks - A real world approach to effective Exercise Referral Reducing coronary heart disease risk and improving health through a negotiated exercise programme

Objective: To identify changes in health, coronary heart disease (CHD) risk and levels of physical activity amongst patients referred to a tailored exercise referral programme. Design: Sedentary adult patients identified as 'at risk' of coronary heart disease, were referred from a wide range of health professionals into a 12 month, individually tailored exercise programme closely supported by a sports scientist. A 'before and after' evaluation methodology was employed to measure health, CHD risk, activity levels and physiology. Results: 46 per cent of those starting Heartlinks were still in the programme after 12 months by which time they had increased their activity levels by 547 per cent, their perceived physical health scores measured using the SF36 General Health measure improved by 4.21 (p < 0.001), their mean mental scores by 3.11 (p < 0.005) and their absolute risk from Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) reduced by 8% with a relative risk reduction of 20% measured using the CALMheart risk assessment tool. Conclusion: The Heartlinks exercise referral model significantly increased physical activity levels, reduced modifiable coronary heart disease risk and improved perceptions of both physical and mental health over a 12 month period.