Physicians who have more healthy habits are more likely than doctors without such habits to recommend five important lifestyle modifications to patients, including eating healthy, limiting sodium, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and being more physically active.
In a survey of 1,000 physicians about their lifestyles and whether they recommend national guideline lifestyle modifications to patients with high blood pressure, researchers found:
The study's lead author is Olivia Y. Hung, M.D., Ph.D., Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga., and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Co-authors are Nora L. Keenan, Ph.D. and Jing Fang, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript.
Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Heart Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding .
NR12-1043 (Epi/NPAM 2012/Hung)
Note: Actual presentation is 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m.ET Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
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