Dietary Changes to Avoid Hypercholesterolemia
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Ashley Stancliffe posted May 22, 2024 10:48 PM
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Nutrition plays a vital role in the management and regulation of sickness and disease. In cases of cardiovascular disease, dietary changes may be prescribed or recommended by providers in order to reduce the risk of congestive heart failure, heart attack, or stroke. Hypercholesterolemia is one particular condition that is highly preventable in patients seeking to lower the risk of cardiac events. This chronic condition leads to atherosclerosis, causing narrowed arteries and increasing the chance of clogged blood flow which may lead to stroke or myocardial infarction. While the consequences of hypercholesterolemia remain severe, there are many interventions a person can implement in order to reduce their risk. One such intervention is the application of a nutritious diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in whole, plant-based foods.
Achieving optimal nutrition in order to avoid hypercholesterolemia involves eating a diet that is low in low-density lipoproteins (LDL’s). LDL’s can be found in saturated and trans fats, and are most commonly found in processed meats, fatty dairy products (such as heavy creams and butter), coconut and palm oils, and fried foods (“Cholesterol and Nutrition,” 2022). Hypercholesterolemia can also be avoided by prioritizing a diet that is high in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
As a nurse practitioner, patient education is the key to motivating and encouraging patients to initiate positive change in their lives. Simply having those conversations with each patient will allow the APRN to gauge the patient’s general health, their personal motivation, and their willingness to make lifestyle changes that will promote wellness and avoid the occurrence of illness and disease. Patients that receive personalized education materials alongside verbal education are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and report higher satisfaction with their level of care (Bhattad & Pacifico, 2022).
References
Battad, P.& Pacifico, L. (2022, July). Empowering Patients: Promoting Patient Education and Health Literacy. National Library of Medicine, 14(7). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.27336
Cholesterol and Nutrition. (2022, October 17). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16867-cholesterol–nutrition-tlc
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