Nutrition & Cardiovascular Health (2024-2026)

Overview

More than 2100 Americans die of cardiovascular disease each day – one death every 40 seconds. This is a tragic but not surprising statistic given the national prevalence of metabolic syndrome, obesity, and diabetes. Eighty percent of premature heart disease could be prevented through diet and lifestyle. Clinicians must be able to effectively counsel patients about the many nutritional factors that can prevent heart disease, yet few physicians feel they have adequate training in nutrition.

Needs Assessment

This course provides straightforward, clinically relevant information for understanding how carbohydrates and fats affect lipids, the evidence behind low glycemic load diets, the cardio-protective effects of key micronutrients and phytochemicals, and much more. The best strategy for health and resiliency is to design a nutritional plan for patients that addresses their specific health needs while encouraging a whole food diet that does not deny them the pleasures of eating. This course will give you the knowledge and understanding necessary to do just that.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Assess the evidence for nutritional options for optimization of cardiometabolic health.
  • Describe key risk factors for heart disease in order to identify patients who could possibly benefit from dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
  • Learn the nutritional approaches for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Describe the fundamental components of heart-healthy diets, including the Mediterranean and DASH diets, along with updates on ketogenic, gluten-free, and time-restricted eating patterns, among others.
  • Review macronutrients and functional foods and learn about the glycemic index and glycemic load.
  • Discuss the potential risks and benefits of dietary supplements and botanicals commonly used in the prevention and/or treatment of heart disease to help patients make better healthcare choices.
  • Identify authoritative resources for information regarding integrative approaches for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular disease.
  • Gain the ability to help patients make better dietary and lifestyle choices.

Target Audience

Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, and dietitians.

Curriculum

  • Introduction to Nutrition & Cardiovascular Health
  • Integrative Approaches
  • The Role of Nutrition in Cardiovascular Health
  • Specific Diets
  • Nutrition and Hypertension
  • Nutrition and Dyslipdemia
  • Nutrition and Metabolic Syndrome
  • Nutrition and Heart Failure
  • Clinical Applications
  • Course Exam

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the course exam with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Nutrition & Cardiovascular Health (2024-2026) Disclosure & Education Credit Info

Nursing Continuing Professional Development Information

15.5 NCPD Contact Hours for RNs

Current Approval Period - NCPD

June 3, 2024 - June 2, 2026

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

Any individuals in a position to control the content of an activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Kominos has disclosed the following: referral commission, Fullscript.

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this activity.

This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by the Colorado Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

COM CME

ACCME/AMA PRA Accreditation and CME Designation Statement

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson designates this enduring material for a maximum of 15.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Current Approval Period - CME

June 3, 2024 - June 2, 2026

Most Recent Review by Author: March 29, 2024

Completion Requirements

Complete all the coursework, course evaluation, and the final test with a score of 70% or better. You are allowed unlimited re-attempts. Upon successful completion, you will be able to print your certificate of completion.

Relevant Financial Relationship Disclosure Information

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson Continuing Medical Education adheres to the ACCME's Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CME activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, are required to disclose all financial relationships with ineligible entities (commercial interests). All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated prior to the commencement of the activity.

Dr. Kominos has disclosed the following: referral commission, Fullscript.

All other individuals in a position to control the content of this activity, including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others, have disclosed that they have no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies that would constitute a conflict of interest concerning this activity.

Commercial Support

There is no commercial support for this activity.

Faculty / Authors

Vivian A. Kominos, MD, FACC, ABOIM; Integrative Cardiologist at Kominos Integrative Cardiology, LLC, Clinical Assistant Professor, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Tamara Steinitz, MS, RDN; Professor Emeritus Utah State University Department of Nutrition & Food Sciences, Former Director Didactic Program in Dietetics Utah State University

Priscilla Abercrombie, RN, PhD, AHN-BC, Founder, Women's Health & Healing Integrative Health Coach

Planning Committee

Vivian A. Kominos, MD, FACC, ABOIM; Integrative Cardiologist at Kominos Integrative Cardiology, LLC, Clinical Assistant Professor, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Molly K. Burke, MFA, CMT; Director of Online Education, Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine

Elizabeth Knight, PhD, DNP, FNP-C; Integrative Health Coach, Flower Power Health and Nurse Practitioner, Reed College