Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is among the top causes of death in the United States. Though some risk factors — such as advanced age and family history — are unavoidable, there are many modifiable factors that, when corrected, can greatly decrease your risk status. But quitting smoking, implementing a workout regimen, getting your blood sugar down… it’s all easier said than done. So, how do you conquer the hurdles which hold you back from avoiding one of the leading causes of death in our country and achieving True Health? A recent review conducted by the US Preventive Services Task Force shows having a health coach or counselor by your side may be the key to ensuring a successful journey to achieving a healthier lifestyle.

The Review

The USPSTF commissioned a review of evidence to update its 2014 recommendation on behavioral counseling in promoting a healthy diet and physical activity for CVD prevention.

The task force evaluated counseling interventions that combined a healthy diet and physical activity in 81 trial groups, diet-only interventions in 33 trial groups, and interventions involving physical activity in 6 trial groups.

6% of interventions were considered low-intensity, 49% medium-intensity, and 45% high-intensity, depending on the amount of interaction with clinicians.

Read the recommended statement here.

The Findings

The counseling trials evaluated health outcomes such as cardiovascular events, mortality, quality of life, and factors of health which contribute to CVD risk.

29 trials reported on patient health outcomes such as CVD events, mortality, or quality of life. Twelve of these trials reported cardiovascular events, and among the trials with a composite outcome of any CVD event, the pooled effect showed lower risk among patients receiving behavioral health counseling.

91 trials reported on measures of blood pressure, lipid levels, weight/adiposity, glucose level, and composite cardiovascular risk score. Overall, interventions involving counseling on diet and physical activity led to significant improvements in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol level, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level, fasting glucose level, weight, and body mass index.

70 trials reported outcomes related to behaviors such as healthy eating habits and increased physical activity. Most trials included medium- or high-intensity interventions. Overall, behavioral counseling resulted in small, significant improvements in saturated fat consumption, increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, and increased fiber intake.

50 trials of behavioral counseling interventions reported some type of physical activity outcome, resulting in no consistent evidence. However, when a physical activity goal was defined (usually 90 to 180 min/wk of moderate to vigorous physical activity), those groups had a higher likelihood of meeting the goal.

What It Means for Your Health

The US Preventive Services Task Force concluded with moderate certainty that behavioral counseling interventions have a moderate benefit in adults at increased risk for CVD.

With the help of behavioral counseling, you can:

• Establish actionable steps toward forming better habits
• Set goals — and keep them
• Improve your diet
• Incorporate physical activity into your life

And, ultimately, reduce your overall risk for Cardiovascular Disease.

Develop Healthy Habits and Lower Your CVD Risk with the Help of Confidia

If you have struggled with incorporating more healthy habits into your lifestyle, you don’t have to go it alone.

Confidia Health Institute is dedicated to arming our patients with the knowledge you need to set forth on Your Path to True Health. Make an appointment to partner with a health professional who will help you set goals for affecting real and meaningful changes for improving your overall wellness.