Patient/caregiver was educated on indications for heart healthy diet as follows:
- Atherosclerosis: Individuals with abnormally high blood lipid levels can present with fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which can contribute to increased risk for atherosclerosis & hypertension. The fatty deposits in the blood vessels can also obstruct free flow of blood along the blood vessels, which can compromise delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the vital organs. Heart healthy diet recommendation with reduced intake of unhealthy fats can lead to reduced risk for worsening atherosclerosis and prevent compromised blood supply to vital organs.
- Compromised renal function: Individuals with history of compromised kidney function ineffectively regulate sodium levels in the blood, leading to high sodium levels in the blood. This can contribute to poor blood pressure regulation, which can lead to further deterioration of kidney function. Heart healthy diet recommendation in these individuals can contribute to reducing risk for further damage to kidney function.
- History of stroke: Poorly controlled hypertension is a serious risk factor for stroke and individuals with history of stroke can present with fresh episodes of stroke, secondary to poorly controlled hypertension. Heart healthy diet recommendation with reduced sodium intake in these individuals can lead to reduced risk for further deterioration of BP control and fresh episodes of stroke.
