Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention and treatment have made tremendous strides over the past decades. Nevertheless, CVD morbidity and mortality affect millions each year. The largest federal programs and research interventions have focused on CVD. To meet the nutritional needs of those who are concerned about preventing and treating CVD, dietetic practioners must understand the rationale for specific nutrient and health recommendations in both preventive health and therapeutic nutrition.

This self-directed, accredited CPE program begins with an explanation of basic heart and circulatory system physiology. In Chapter 2, the most common CVD pathophysiologies are described, and lipid transport basics in Chapter 3.

Chapter 4 reviews the primary epidemiological studies that form the basis for preventive and therapeutic recommendations to help the dietetic practitioner explain them to his/her clients. Risk factors and risk factor assessment tools are also discussed. Chapter 5 summarizes the primary CVD prevention recommendations. Chapter 6 introduces the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Nutrition Care Process (NCP) and summarizes the first two components, nutrition assessment and diagnosis. Chapter 7 continues this therapeutic process with interventions, monitoring, and evaluation. Because medications usually are an integral part of therapy for many with CVD, Chapter 8 describes usual pharmacological therapy. Finally, Chapter 9 describes emerging nutritional factors in CVD. Two case studies provide practice and application

This program is a Level 2 continuing education activity. This means that you have general knowledge of the literature and professional practice in the areas covered. The focus of the program is to enhance knowledge and application.