• Principal Investigator: Tamara Goldman Sher, Ph.D.
• Institution: Illinois Institute of Technology
• Grant Number: 1 R01 HL62158-01
• Program Official: Dr. Peter Kaufmann

The objective of the study is to determine whether a short-term intervention to alter a long-term relationship can result in sustained health behavior change, improve quality of life, and bestow health benefits. Using a couples intervention designed to increase optimize the relationship and decrease interpersonal stress, investigators will target three areas of change for cardiac patients in which long-term adherence is problematic: exercise, weight management, and compliance with lipid-lowering medication. Eligible participants (N=160; approximately 35% minorities, 30% women) will have had a cardiovascular event (e.g., myocardial infarction, bypass graft surgery, angioplasty) and a partner who is willing to participate in the program. Clinical outcomes (lipid levels, recurring events, and exercise capacity) and health behaviors be monitored for 18 months. This study will provide insight into how family dynamics affect treatment outcomes.

Investigators