University of Michigan researchers say lifestyle is the cornerstone for preventing cardiovascular disease. But, they have found that many heart attack patients still don't get the dietary after-care they should.
A new study suggests that heart attack patients could reduce their risks of returning to the hospital if they get that nutritional assessment.
The study, led by a team from the University of Michigan Health Frankel Cardiovascular Center, tracked nearly 150,000 patients seen at hospitals across Michigan for serious heart conditions — such as heart attack and heart failure — between late 2015 and early 2020. They found less than one in four patients are following through with dietary counseling.
Dr. Eric Brandt, who co-authored the study at the Frankel Cardiovascular Center, said the program is underutilized.
"It partially could be because of location," he explained. "Or some people might not have the time to commit to it, or a lot of patients just end up not being referred as well."
Brandt said modifying medical education for cardiac doctors to better inform the patients may be what's needed.
He said when patients receive this education, they have seen tremendous results with some patients even cutting cholesterol levels in half within weeks.
“However, physicians are often limited by time required to manage other aspects of a patient’s condition and most cardiologists do not receive sufficient education to provide the dietary advice themselves,” Brandt added.
With this new research, he hopes to see the landscape change where eating healthier is more well supported and achievable for patients.
The study also examined any possible differences in after care between urban and rural communities. What surprised researchers was that those in rural areas made it to nutritional rehab more than those in cities.
"In an urban area, if someone, for example, lacks some transportation, then even if it's not as far away geographically...it still could be too much of a barrier," he explained.
Brandt said the next steps is to push for more advocacy of a registered dietician-led medical nutrition therapy by cardiac physicians.
He said quitting tobacco, exercise and stress management are also integrated into the after-care programs for a total wellness plan for heart attack patients.
