Heart Health Hacks
By Gabriela Ghisi, University of Toronto and Camila Kümmel Duarte, UFMG
For people with heart conditions, adhering to dietary
guidelines is essential, not optional. Eating a diet that promotes heart health
can help manage critical risk factors such as high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, and obesity, all of which are key
contributors to heart disease.
The Challenges of Dietary Compliance in Cardiac Care
A healthy diet will help you prevent new heart problems,
which is called secondary prevention, and it will help improve functional
capacity and quality of life, giving you more independence for daily
activities. However, for many patients, adhering to these dietary guidelines
can be a significant challenge even while they are in a cardiac rehabilitation
program. This is especially challenging for those who live in low-resourced
settings (areas or communities with few resources and little
support for health and wellness).
Cardiac rehab is an interdisciplinary approach focused on
interventions for secondary prevention and improving cardiovascular prognosis,
to reduce the global impact of cardiovascular disease. We
recently conducted a study aimed at understanding the barriers
and facilitators that low-resourced patients face when trying to follow
nutritional recommendations in cardiac rehab.
The findings underscore how critical, yet complex, it is for
patients to maintain a heart-healthy diet. The results of this study are not
just informative — they are a call to action for healthcare providers,
policymakers, and communities alike.
Economic Barriers to a Healthy Diet
One of the primary barriers we identified is the cost of
healthy foods. Many heart-healthy foods — like fresh fruits, vegetables, and
lean proteins — can be expensive, especially for individuals
or families living on a tight budget. In low-income areas, access to these foods is often limited,
with more affordable but less healthy options readily available.
This economic reality makes it difficult for patients to
consistently choose foods that support their heart health. In the last few
years the cost of healthy food in Canada, a high-income setting, has been
rising due to high food inflation. Despite that, the current Canada’s
Food Guide is less
expensive for adults to follow compared to the previous ones.
Cultural and Educational Challenges in Nutrition
Another significant barrier is the complexity of nutritional
information. Patients are often bombarded with a wealth of dietary guidelines,
which can be confusing and overwhelming. Without proper guidance, including
education and individualization, it’s easy for someone to feel lost or
discouraged, particularly if they lack basic nutritional knowledge. This can
lead to frustration and, ultimately, poor adherence to dietary recommendations.
Cultural factors also play a role. In many cases,
traditional diets may not align with the standard dietary guidelines
recommended for heart health. Patients may find it challenging to adapt their
eating habits without feeling like they are losing an important part of their
cultural identity. This disconnect can make it even harder for patients to
stick to a heart-healthy diet.
Empowering Heart Patients to Eat Better
Despite these challenges, our study also highlighted several
facilitators that can make a significant difference. One of the most effective
is community support. Programs that provide affordable access to healthy foods,
like food banks or community gardens, can
help alleviate some of the financial pressures.
Additionally, accessible information sources that break down
complex nutritional advice into simple, actionable steps can empower patients
to make healthier choices.
Importantly, incorporating culturally relevant foods into
dietary plans can make the transition to a heart-healthy diet more manageable
and acceptable. When patients see that their traditional foods can be part of
their diet, they are more likely to embrace and maintain the recommended
changes.
Our findings emphasize the importance of a tailored approach
to nutritional guidance in cardiac rehab, especially for low-resourced
patients. It’s not enough to simply tell patients what to eat — healthcare
providers need to listen and understand the unique challenges patients face and
provide practical, sustainable solutions. This means working closely with
patients, offering personalized advice that considers their financial
situation, providing access to resources, and considering cultural preferences.
Making Heart-Healthy Diets Accessible
The implications of our research extend beyond individual
patient care. They highlight the need for systemic changes that make healthy
eating more accessible for everyone. This could include policies that subsidize
healthy foods, increase the availability of fresh produce in underserved areas,
or create educational programs that are accessible to all.
Following nutritional recommendations is vital for managing
cardiovascular disease, but it’s not always easy, especially for those with
limited resources. Identifying and addressing the specific barriers these
patients face can help them make lasting, positive changes to their diet and,
ultimately, their heart health.
This research underscores the need for a more equitable
approach to health care, one that ensures all patients have the support they
need to live healthier, longer lives.