Physicians need to tailor their counseling for adults with low or average risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) to focus on a healthy diet and consistent physical activity, according to a C recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
A C recommendation means a physician should provide services for selected patients depending on individual circumstances. Specific circumstances for the CVD counseling applies to individuals over 18 without obesity or any known CVD risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes or abnormal blood glucose).
Dr. Jennifer Frost, medical director at the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), said conversations about CVD prevention are already taking place in many exam rooms.
"Most family physicians talk with their patients about healthy behaviors," Frost said. "We certainly give it more emphasis with patients who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, but it is still important and appropriate for all individuals. Adults without any risk factors for cardiovascular disease are not common in most practices. But for those patients, behavioral changes may help prevent them from developing risk factors. We should also remember that there are likely many more benefits to healthy diet and physical activity beyond cardiovascular effects, such as improvements in mood, energy level and concentration."
Researchers found consistent positive results between a patient’s behavioral interventions and improved dietary intake and increased physical activity during follow-ups at six and 12 months.
