• Feasibility of subject recruitment; feasibility of delivery of the CHD intervention and surveys in a busy practice setting; feasibility of measuring study outcomes [ Time Frame: Measured at the end of the study period (approximately 2 years) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

• Self-reported use of any new CHD risk reduction strategy; global CHD risk; blood pressure; serum total cholesterol and HDL-c levels; smoking status; aspirin use; self-reported plans for CHD risk reduction; self-efficacy for CHD risk reduction [ Time Frame: Measured at participants' Month 3 study visit ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  

CHD affects 13 million people in the United States. It is the leading cause of death in this country, and each year more than half a million Americans die from this disease. People who take steps to lower their cholesterol and blood pressure levels, lose weight, and stop smoking may be less likely to develop CHD. However, fewer than half of all individuals at risk for developing CHD follow these suggestions. Involving patients in the decision-making process regarding their medical care may improve their adherence to effective CHD prevention strategies. The goal of the Heart to Heart program is to provide information about CHD risk factors and encourage people to incorporate the appropriate risk-reduction measures into their lives. The purposes of this pilot study are to evaluate the ability of study researchers to recruit individuals with a moderate to high risk of CHD to participate in the study; to conduct a four-part CHD intervention (Heart to Heart) in a busy medical practice setting; and to measure participants' decision-making plans, self-reported adherence to medications, and changes in overall CHD risk factors. The results from this study will be used to guide future clinical trials.

This study will enroll patients being treated at the General Internal Medicine Clinic at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill who have a moderate to high risk of developing CHD. At an initial study visit, participants will complete questionnaires that assess CHD risk-reduction strategies, smoking status, and aspirin use. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels will also be measured. Participants will then be randomly assigned to either participate in the Heart to Heart intervention or receive usual care. Participants in the intervention group will access Heart to Heart, a Web site designed to educate them about their overall CHD risk, specific risk factors, and strategies and preferences for risk reduction. A Web-based coaching tool will encourage participants to talk with their doctor about risk-reduction choices. Participants will also receive brief adherence messages via the Web site 2, 4, and 6 weeks following their initial study visit. The messages will be designed to help participants adhere to their decisions. All participants will attend a study visit at Month 3 for repeat baseline testing. Following this visit, participants will receive a letter that includes their test results and their recalculated CHD risk. Participants may be contacted to take part in a focus group following the completion of the study.