eRehab: Can Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Enhance Self-management of Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) according to the World Health Organization (WHO) are leading causes of death and represent 30% of all global deaths and 48% of the deaths in Europe. Moreover, the current trends predict increase in deaths caused by Cardiovascular Diseases over the next years. Secondary preventive efforts can decrease mortality risk as well as improve health among Cardiovascular Disease patients. This study suggests an innovative approach in supporting the self-management of Cardiovascular Disease patients after rehabilitation. The implied Randomized Controlled Trial has two arms and aims to investigate the effectiveness of tailoring in an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based intervention. The tailoring will be based on concepts derived from health psychology theories, and will contribute in their further development. More specifically: * Aim 1: To assess the needs of CVD rehabilitation patients that can potentially be met through the use of ICT. * Aim 2: To assess the effects of a tailored Internet-based intervention on maintenance of self-management behaviors after a rehabilitation stay. Hypothesis: The intervention group (tailored) will have higher adherence a) to the Internet-based intervention, and b) to self-management. * Aim 3: To assess the effect of mobile technology with activity sensors on physical activity. Hypothesis: There will be a relationship between the data collected from activity sensors and the self-reported physical activity levels.