Janelle is a 59-year-old woman who’s concerned about her risk of CVD. Her mother died at age 61 from a heart attack, and, even though Janelle is relatively healthy, her LDL cholesterol is above the acceptable range, and she wants to decrease her risk. The information Janelle has found online regarding dietary fat and cholesterol […]
Do you wish you had a wider variety of tools to help you talk to clients about heart-healthy eating habits? I recently returned from presenting at the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR) annual meeting, where I had the chance to connect with colleagues from around the country practicing in cardiac rehab. Here’s […]
Mrs. Johnson is a 66-year-old woman who has had several blood pressure readings between 128/90 and 135/95 mm Hg. Her physician has taken the attitude of “watchful waiting” in the past but seems more concerned recently and told Mrs. Johnson that she may need to consider blood pressure–lowering medications. Mrs. Johnson’s BMI is 31; she […]
Kathleen’s parents and grandfathers all died because of heart disease. Now 65, she assumed her risk was probably high due to family history, her 20-year history of hypertension, and her current overweight condition. She’d made some healthful lifestyle changes over the years but wondered whether there was more she could do to prevent heart attack […]
Eating out is both a social and relaxing activity and can be especially tempting when clients feel they’re too busy to cook. Making healthful choices when dining out is important for all clients, but it’s particularly vital for those with CVD or hypertension, as they need to limit (often strictly) unhealthful fats and sodium. Here […]
Heart disease remains the number one killer in the United States for both men and women. February is a great month to encourage your clients to renew their commitment to heart-healthy habits. February’s focus on heart health is near and dear to me. My dear father had heart disease from the time I was 3 […]
The blood pressure reading of 140/90 mm Hg had been ingrained in our minds as the hallmark of hypertension. However, an update to the guideline has now reexamined this number in addition to taking a closer look at the prevention, detection, and evaluation of hypertension. Researchers developed the new guideline based on data and studies […]
It might surprise you to learn that one in five children has high total cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high LDL cholesterol. Approximately 7.8% of adolescents aged 12 to 19 have total cholesterol levels ≥200 mg/dL. Unfortunately, high cholesterol is a concern for children as well as adults. September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a […]
During the nearly seven years I worked on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Sodium Reduction Initiative, I heard time and time again: “I never add salt to my food, so I don’t have to worry about sodium intake.” Interestingly, people would tell me this even after mentioning they knew most of their […]
At age 88, Richard was hospitalized postmyocardial infarction (MI) for stent placement and management of heart failure. Other than hypertension, he’d been healthy, eating a regular diet, and either walking or using a stationary bike daily. Following the MI, his cardiologist restricted his physical activity and ordered a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with no more than […]
Changes are coming on many fronts in cardiac rehab programs across the country. Those changes hold potential for improving nutrition care for patients and expanding job opportunities for RDs. I recently returned from the annual meeting of the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR), the fifth year in a row I’ve spoken to […]
