Primary care professionals help patients achieve optimal cardiovascular health
- A scientific statement from the American Heart Association highlights the significant role of primary care professionals in cardiovascular health.
- The statement outlines Life's Essential 8 measures that include both health behaviors and health metrics critical for achieving optimal heart health.
- Improving support and funding for primary care could enhance the identification and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors.
On November 13, 2024, a scientific statement was published by the American Heart Association emphasizing the crucial role of primary care clinicians in supporting cardiovascular health. The statement outlines Life's Essential 8, which encompasses four health behaviors and four health metrics crucial for managing heart health. It highlights that primary care practitioners are key to screening, diagnosing, and treating conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol, thus improving patient outcomes. The findings also indicate that less than 20% of U.S. adults maintain optimal cardiovascular health, underscoring the need for preventive care and lifestyle changes. Furthermore, the authors advocate for enhanced support and better payment models for primary care practices to maximize their impact.