9. Using science to support healthy lifestyle behaviors

New science examining lifestyle behaviors in adults and children, with particular emphasis on physical activity and consumption pattern, show that such conditions as obesity and hypertension are positively influenced by a change in diet with decreasing sodium levels. Results from the school setting suggest that the earlier one starts to adopt healthy behaviors the better the effect on health outcomes. Furthermore, physical activity is an important lifestyle factor in improving cardio-metabolic factors, especially in those trying to reduce weight. Although most people don’t associate poor diet quality and physical inactivity with heart disease, the American Heart Association has created a national goal to improve seven health factors and lifestyle behaviors in support of raising awareness and helping all Americans move closer to optimal heart health over the next decade.

·  Bibbins-Domingo et al – New England Journal of Medicine, Jan. 20, 2010; N Engl J Med 2010;362:590-9. http://www.nejm.org; Funding: American Heart Association Western States Affiliate; University of California, San Francisco Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute

·  The HEALTHY Study Group – New England Journal of Medicine, July 20, 2010; N Engl J Med 10.1056; http://www.nejm.org; Funding: National Institutes of Health; American Diabetes Association

·  Franks et al – New England Journal of Medicine, Feb. 11, 2010; N Engl J Med;362(6):485-93. http://www.nejm.org; Funding: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

·  Goodpaster, et al – Journal of the American Medical Association, Oct. 9, 2010; http://www.jama.com; JAMA;304(16):1795-1802; Funding: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Health.

10. Get With The Guidelines participation eliminates disparity gaps in care

Racial and ethnic disparities have been found in the quality of care delivered to patients with cardiovascular disease and achieving equity and addressing disparities has implications for quality, cost, risk management, and community benefit. Eliminating these disparities is a top priority for the American Heart Association. These findings are the first to show that participating in a quality improvement program, such as Get With The Guidelines–Coronary Artery Disease, can eliminate racial and ethnic disparities of care while increasing the overall use of evidence-based care for heart attack patients.

·  Cohen et al – Circulation, June 1, 2010; Circulation;121(21):2294-301; http://circ.ahajournals.org; Funding: GWTG-CAD is supported by the American Heart Association in part through an unrestricted education grant from Merck/Schering-Plough Partnership.