Cardiologists Lack Nutrition Knowledge
Does your cardiologist eat the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables?
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Scientific evidence shows that changes in diet have reduced heart problems by as much as 70 percent. But most patients can’t expect dietary help from their cardiologist, according to a study published in the American Journal of Medicine. A survey of 930 practicing and in-training cardiologists found that most spend just three minutes discussing nutrition with patients.
“Although cardiovascular guidelines describe nutrition as a foundation of care, neither education nor practice among cardiologists and cardiovascular team members reflect that priority,” says lead study author Stephen Devries, MD. Nine out of 10 doctors surveyed received minimal or no nutrition education during their cardiology training.
Cardiologists who personally follow a healthy diet are more likely to counsel their patients on nutrition. But only one in five doctors surveyed ate the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, the study found.