PD428 - CLOSING THE GAP IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION: BASELINE DIET AND RISK PROFILE

PD428

CLOSING THE GAP IN CARDIAC REHABILITATION: BASELINE DIET AND RISK PROFILE

D. DISHON^1,2,3,*, R. Klempfner^3,4, T. I. Gil^1,2, D. Weiner², Y. Henkin⁵, V. Kaufman-Shriqui¹

¹Department of Nutrition Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, ²Department of Nutrition, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, ³Leviev Cardiovascular Institute, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan, ⁴Gray Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, ⁵Department of Cardiology, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer Sheva, Israel

Rationale: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) reduces morbidity and improves quality of life (QoL), while the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is associated with reduced risk of myocardial infarction and mortality. Despite these benefits, participation in CR and the integration of structured nutrition counseling remain suboptimal. In particular, the effectiveness and role of tele-nutrition within CR programs are not yet well established.

Methods: Baseline data from a single-center randomized controlled trial at Sheba Medical Center were analyzed. Eligible participants were ≤6 months post–myocardial infarction, catheterization, or coronary artery bypass grafting. Participants were stratified by sex and randomized (1:1) to either web-based or in-person nutrition counseling. Assessments included sociodemographic characteristics, physical activity, QoL, and MedDiet adherence (I-MEDAS). Anthropometric measures (BMI, waist circumference), handgrip strength, and biochemical markers were obtained.

Results: A total of 126 participants were included (mean age 61.2±9.2 years), predominantly male, married, and of relatively high socioeconomic status. Mean BMI was 30.2±9.8 kg/m², and 53% had at-risk waist circumference. Physical activity levels were generally low, and 81.6% had low handgrip strength. The mean I-MEDAS score was 8.18±1.93, indicating moderate adherence. High adherence was observed for olive oil use and low red meat intake, whereas adherence to legumes, fish, and nuts was low. The lowest adherence was observed for limiting sugary drinks and salty snacks. 

Conclusion: CR participants exhibit substantial cardiometabolic risk alongside only moderate adherence to the MedDiet. Baseline dietary gaps and low functional status support the need for targeted, scalable nutrition interventions, including tele-nutrition, to improve engagement and dietary quality in CR.

Disclosure of Interest: None declared