Western Journal of Nursing Research 2015, Vol. 37(1) 85–102 © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0193945914551390 wjn.sagepub.com MNRS Sage Best Paper Award Article Reducing Cardiovascular Risk in Spouses of Cardiac Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial Bernice C. Yates 1 , Sheri Rowland 1 , Kerry Mancuso 2 , Kevin A. Kupzyk 1 , Joseph F. Norman 1 , Scott Shurmur 3 , and Karen Tesina 4 Abstract Few studies have examined risk-reducing interventions in spouses of coronary artery bypass patients. This study examined the effects of the Partners Together in Health (PaTH) intervention versus usual care on cardiovascular risk factors. Spouses in the experimental group (n = 17/group) attended cardiac rehabilitation with patients and made the same physical activity and healthy eating changes as patients. Spouses in the usual care group attended educational classes with patients. Spouses’ 30-year cardiovascular risk was calculated using the Lifetime Risk Scale before and after cardiac rehabilitation (3 months), and at 6 months. Spouses in both groups significantly reduced 30-year risk scores at 3 and 6 months. Exercise was the key ingredient in lowering risk. There was a trend toward reduction in systolic blood pressure and an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both groups. 1 University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA 2 The Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA 3 Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, USA 4 Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Omaha, USA Corresponding Author: Bernice C. Yates, College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, 985330 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5330, USA. Email: bcyates@unmc.edu 551390WJN XX X 10.1177/0193945914551390 research-article 2014