USPSTF Update Recommendations on CVD Prevention Counseling for Low-Risk Adults

Primary care professionals should individualize the decision to refer nonobese adults without cardiovascular risk factors to behavioral counseling for the promotion of a healthy diet and physical activity, according to a recommendation from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).
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Following an evidence review, the USPSTF found adequate evidence of the benefits of behavioral counseling in this population, including increased fruit and vegetable consumption, total daily caloric intake, salt intake, and physical activity levels, as well as reductions in LDL cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure levels. However, they found inadequate direct evidence that behavioral counseling is linked to a reduction in mortality or cardiovascular disease rates. Harms of behavioral counseling interventions were found to be small to none.

“The USPSTF concludes with moderate certainty that behavioral counseling interventions to promote a healthful diet and physical activity have a small net benefit in adults without obesity who do not have specific common risk factors for CVD (hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal blood glucose levels, and diabetes).”

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Behavioral counseling to promote a healthful diet and physical activity for cardiovascular disease prevention in adults without cardiovascular risk factors. JAMA. 2017;318(2):167-174.