Researchers were interested in determining if lifestyle modi…
Researchers were interested in determining if lifestyle modification can reduce the incidence of a second heart attack (myocardial infarction). They identified a group of 700 patients who had a first (single) heart attack within the past five years. These patients were then randomly allocated to: 1) a lifestyle intervention group (n=350) that received intensive dietary and physical activity counseling and training; or 2) a comparison group (n=350) that received only some educational information regarding the benefits of healthy lifestyles in reducing heart disease. These groups were then followed for 5 years to determine the rates of second heart attacks. The researchers could use a triple masked (blind) study design