The very thing most likely to kill you after a heart attack is the one thing your doctor probably won’t discuss: your diet. This counseling, which could be part of a supervised cardiac rehabilitation program or medical nutrition therapy, involves detailed nutritional assessments and targeted interventions led by registered dietitian nutritionists. Clinicians may lack time or expertise in nutrition.
Medical nutrition therapy is covered only for Medicare patients with diabetes and end-stage kidney disease. Many patients lack insurance coverage for dietitian services. Complex patient care issues take priority.
In 2022, the American Heart Association released a position statement supporting efforts to increase equitable access to nutritious and affordable food in health care delivery. “Right now only those with diabetes and advanced kidney disease are guaranteed coverage in Medicare,” Dr. Brandt said.
“We need to teach the public, even before they develop heart disease, how important a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle is,” she said. Prevention is “so much less invasive” than medications and surgery. Educating patients on reducing sodium intake by teaching them to identify hidden sodium sources written on nutrition labels Advising on identifying heart-healthy fats and recommending foods rich in beneficial fiber Providing guidance on lowering cholesterol levels Offering support to transform harmful habits into healthy, sustainable ones Discussing the importance of phy.
