What can clinicians do to help patients reduce their risk of ASCVD?
Clinicians should work in partnership with patients to assess their readiness for sustained lifestyle improvements, identify potential barriers to change, and encourage them to try to achieve measurable goals and continue to monitor. Furthermore, they should consider patients' health literacy and education levels and assess their motivation to improve their lifestyle habits. Clinicians should advise patients to engage in regular brisk physical activity most days of the week, adhere to a healthy dietary pattern high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and minimize the consumption of trans fats, added sugars, red meats, sodium, and saturated fats.