Heart disease is the leading cause of deaths worldwide, and it is one of the most preventable diseases if early lifestyle changes and medical interventions are initiated in at-risk individuals.

The American Union of Cardiology (AUC) has been the leading body that advocates for the prevention and treatment of heart disease in the United States through the development of evidence-based guidelines and recommendations. Recently, the AUC released new heart health recommendations aimed at reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease and improving outcomes for people at risk of heart disease.

The new recommendations

The new AUC heart health recommendations, which were published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, synthesize the most recent evidence and best practices in the prevention, early detection, and management of heart disease in both adults and children. Among the key recommendations include:.

1. Screening for cardiovascular disease risk

The AUC recommends that all adults above 20 years should undergo regular screening for cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking.

The screening should be done at least once every five years, or more frequently if the individual has additional risk factors or a family history of cardiovascular disease.

2. Improved diet and physical activity

The AUC also recommends that individuals should adopt a heart-healthy diet, which entails consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats while limiting sodium, saturated fats, and added sugars.

The guidelines further recommend that adults should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, although more physical activity has been shown to confer more health benefits. Children and adolescents should engage in at least one hour of moderate or vigorous physical activity per day.

3. Smoking cessation

Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for the development of heart disease, and the AUC strongly recommends that all smokers should quit smoking.

The guidelines recommend the use of evidence-based smoking cessation therapies such as nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline for people who want to quit smoking.

4. Blood pressure control

The AUC recommends that individuals should aim to achieve and maintain a blood pressure reading of below 130/80 mmHg, as higher blood pressure levels increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular events.

The guidelines provide recommendations for lifestyle interventions and pharmacologic therapies that can contribute to blood pressure control, including weight loss, dietary changes, regular physical activity, and the use of antihypertensive medications.

5. Cholesterol management

The AUC endorses the use of statin medications for individuals at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including those with diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.

The guidelines provide detailed recommendations on the dosing, monitoring, and side-effects of statin therapy. The guidelines also recommend lifestyle interventions such as adopting a heart-healthy diet and physical activity to improve cholesterol levels.

6. Management of diabetes

The AUC provides detailed recommendations on the prevention, detection, and management of diabetes, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

The guidelines recommend screening for diabetes in people with risk factors such as obesity, hypertension, and high cholesterol, and the use of lifestyle interventions and medication therapy to achieve glycemic control and prevent cardiovascular complications.

7. Preparedness for cardiovascular emergencies

The AUC recommends that all individuals should be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke and know how to seek emergency medical care promptly.

They also recommend that hospitals and healthcare facilities should be adequately equipped to provide timely and effective care to individuals with acute cardiovascular conditions.

8. Risk reduction in children and adolescents

The AUC guidelines emphasize the importance of early prevention and risk reduction for heart disease in children and adolescents.

They recommend regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol in children and adolescents and the implementation of lifestyle interventions and medication therapy when appropriate.

The AUC guidelines acknowledge the significant impact of social determinants of health on the development and progression of heart disease.

They recommend that healthcare providers should routinely assess their patients’ social and economic circumstances and provide appropriate support and referrals for issues such as food insecurity, lack of safe housing, and transportation barriers. The guidelines also recommend that policymakers should address social determinants of health and prioritize health equity in their policies and programs.

10. Interventions for vulnerable populations

The AUC guidelines suggest that healthcare providers should pay special attention to individuals from vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities, older adults, and people with low income or education levels.

The guidelines recommend that providers should use culturally and linguistically appropriate interventions and tailor their care to meet the unique needs and preferences of these groups.

Conclusion

The new heart health recommendations from the American Union of Cardiology reflect the latest evidence and best practices in the prevention and management of heart disease and provide guidance for healthcare providers, policymakers, and individuals on how to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease. By following these recommendations, people can improve their heart health, reduce their risk of developing heart disease, and enhance their quality of life.