Research Highlights: Among 150 adults who had been recently hospitalized for heart failure, those who received deliveries of prepared meals or fresh produce along with dietary counseling reported improved quality of life compared to adults who only …
A study revealed that adults living with heart failure who have greater access to healthy foods experience a better quality of life. This improvement encompasses their physical, mental, and social well-being.
Researchers examined data from 300 adults with advanced heart failure. They assessed participants’ food access through a questionnaire that addressed concerns about food availability and financial means to purchase food. Diet quality and overall quality of life, using a cardiology specific questionnaire, were also measured.
The results showed that participants with better food access had higher quality of life scores. This association was significant even after considering factors such as diet quality, income, and education. This indicates that access to healthy foods itself, not just following a healthy diet, is a critical factor for the well-being of individuals with heart failure.
The study suggests that tackling food insecurity and offering resources for healthy food access could significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for this patient population. Health care providers are advised to screen heart failure patients for food insecurity and direct them to community resources, reinforcing the idea that food plays a vital role in their medical care.
https://newsroom.heart.org/news/access-to-healthy-foods-linked-to-improved-quality-of-life-for-adults-with-heart-failure
