Randomised controlled trials of adults with a diagnosis of coronary heart disease, including after myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, or with angina pectoris and coronary artery disease, defined by angiography, were eligible for inclusion. Relevant interventions were defined as diet, exercise, psychological, educational, multifactorial or organisational, such as case management, with a comparator of normal or usual care. The primary outcomes were mortality, cardiac mortality, nonfatal cardiac events and hospital admissions (cardiac and any cause). Eight additional secondary outcomes including physical activity and adherence to medication were reported. Trials had to have a minimum postintervention follow-up of three months. Trials of patients with multiple diseases, of primary prevention, or in hospital in-patient settings were excluded.
Trials varied considerably in all domains. Patient conditions and ages varied by trial (details reported); most patients were male and at low risk. Most interventions were multifactorial, with a comparator of standard clinical or general practitioner care; a range of single-mode interventions was reported. Duration ranged from three months to five years. Setting, intervention intensity and professional input all varied.
Two reviewers independently assessed reports for inclusion.