Iranian Journal of

Background and Objectives: Nowadays 60% of deaths and 47% of diseases load worldwide caused by chronic diseases. Considering the different results of the conducted studies, the current study was performed to review the effect of life style educational intervention on improving cardiovascular risk factors.

Methods: In this review, English and Persian databases were investigated. All types of studies were included. There was no time limit. The articles in any other languages but English (except for Persian), and also abstracts presented in international congresses and meetings were excluded. Other studies were included if they had an acceptable JADAD score.

Results: During the primary search, 194 articles were found which through investigations 43 articles were finally included. The articles were published from 1989 to 2013. There were 3 domestic papers. Only two articles (4.65%) did not show any improvement in the risk factors while the others suggested significant improvements in the risk factors following educational intervention.

 Conclusion: Considering the general findings of the reviewed articles, it seems that the majority of the articles confirmed the effect of lifestyle education on cardiovascular risk factors- blood cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and cigarette smoking along with knowledge and attitude in high risk patients. The finding shows the necessity of “lifestyle” educational intervention in patients at risk for cardiovascular events.