What dietary recommendations and treatment options are suitable for an individual with heart problems, hypertension, and intellectual and developmental disabilities?

From the Guidelines

For individuals with heart problems, hypertension, and intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), a comprehensive approach combining dietary modifications and appropriate medical treatment is essential, with a strong emphasis on a heart-healthy, low-sodium diet, as recommended by the American Heart Association 1. This diet should focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and limited processed foods.

• Key components of the diet include:
  • Consuming a variety of fruits and vegetables, with a goal of 5 or more servings per day 1
  • Including whole grains, such as bread, pasta, cereal, and potatoes, in the diet 1
  • Limiting foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and substituting unsaturated fat from vegetables, fish, legumes, nuts 1
  • Restricting sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg daily, with further reduction to 1,500 mg beneficial for many with hypertension 1
• Regular meals with portion control can help maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure.
• Medications commonly prescribed for heart problems and hypertension include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics.
• For those with IDD, medication administration may require simplified regimens, visual aids, or caregiver assistance.
• Regular monitoring of blood pressure, heart function, and medication effectiveness is crucial, with a target blood pressure typically below 130/80 mmHg.
• Physical activity appropriate to ability levels should be incorporated gradually, starting with 10-minute sessions and building to 150 minutes weekly if possible, as recommended for overall cardiovascular health 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Control of high blood pressure should be part of comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including, as appropriate, lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, exercise, and limited sodium intake Many patients will require more than one drug to achieve blood pressure goals. For specific advice on goals and management, see published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC)

The dietary recommendations for someone with heart problems and high blood pressure include:

• Limited sodium intake
• Comprehensive cardiovascular risk management, including lipid control, diabetes management, antithrombotic therapy, smoking cessation, and exercise It is recommended to consult published guidelines, such as those of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program’s Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC), for specific advice on goals and management 2 3.

From the Research

Dietary Recommendations for Individuals with Heart Problems and High Blood Pressure

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a recommended dietary approach for individuals with heart problems and high blood pressure 4, 5, 6, 7. The key components of the DASH diet include:

• High intake of fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products
• Reduced intake of fat, particularly saturated and trans fats
• Emphasis on whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats

Considerations for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities may face challenges in making dietary changes due to various factors, including limited access to healthy food options, difficulty with meal planning and preparation, and sensory or swallowing difficulties 8. To address these challenges:

• Caregivers and supporting staff should be educated on the importance of healthy eating and provided with resources to support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in making healthy food choices
• Systematic screening for cardiovascular risk factors, such as hypertension and hypercholesterolemia, should be conducted by general practitioners to identify potential health issues early on
• Lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and increased physical activity, should be tailored to the individual's needs and abilities

Benefits of the DASH Diet

The DASH diet has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including:

• Reduced blood pressure 4, 5, 6, 7
• Improved blood lipid profiles, including reduced total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol 6
• Weight loss and improved body mass index (BMI) 6
• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and related conditions, such as heart failure and stroke 5