Table 3.
Recommendations included in the 2019 ACC/AHA Primary Prevention Guidelines relevant to the recommendations included in this document.
| 2019 ACC/AHA Primary Prevention Guidelines |
Specific potential intervention at the workplace to which applies | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Recommendation | COR | LOE | |
| Adults should be routinely counseled in healthcare visits to optimize a physically active lifestyle | I | B-R | Periodic trainings, promotion of physical activity |
| For adults unable to meet the minimum physical activity recommendations (at least 150 min per week of accumulated moderate-intensity or 75 min per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity), engaging in some moderate- or vigorous-intensity physical activity, even if less than this recommended amount, can be beneficial to reduce ASCVD risk | IIa | B-NR | Walk breaks, walking calls, walking meetings, active commute, active day breaks and retreats involving exercise |
| Decreasing sedentary behavior in adults may be reasonable to reduce ASCVD risk; sedentary behavior defined as any waking behavior characterized by an energy expenditure ≤1.5 METs while in a sitting, reclining, or lying posture. Standing is a sedentary activity in that it involves ≤1.5 METs, but it is not considered a component of sedentary behavior | IIb | C-LD | Standing work stints, standing calls, standing meetings |
| Exercise and physical activity: In addition to the prescription of exercise, neighborhood environment and access to facilities for physical activity should be assessed | N/A | N/A | Provide standing work stations, hands-free devices, infrastructures facilitating active commute, create walkable spaces |
| A diet emphasizing intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grains, and fish is recommended to decrease ASCVD risk factors | I | B-R | Make healthy foods and snacks available at cafeterias and vending machines, mineral water easily available |
| Replacement of saturated fat with dietary monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats can be beneficial to reduce ASCVD risk | IIa | B-NR | |
| A diet containing reduced amounts of cholesterol and sodium can be beneficial to decrease ASCVD risk | IIa | B-NR | |
| As a part of a healthy diet, it is reasonable to minimize the intake of processed meats, refined carbohydrates, and sweetened beverages to reduce ASCVD risk | IIa | B-NR | |
| As a part of a healthy diet, the intake of trans fats should be avoided to reduce risk | III | B-NR | |
| Adults with overweight and obesity: Counseling and comprehensive lifestyle interventions, including calorie restriction, are recommended for achieving and maintaining weight loss | I | B-R | All |
Abbreviations: ACC/AHA = American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association; ASCVD = atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; B-R = B randomized; B-NR = B non-randomized; C-LD = C limited data; COR = class of recommendation; LOE = level of evidence; MET(s) = metabolic equivalent(s); N/A = not applicable.