The APAC Recap: Lifestyle Medicine at CAPP Live 2024 with Laura Ross, PA-C

In this episode of The APAC Recap, host Viet Le, DMSc, PA-C, a preventive cardiology PA at Intermountain Health and the former president of the Academy of Physician Associates in Cardiology (APAC), interviewed Laura Ross, PA-C, APAC's current president and director of the Heart Disease Prevention and Lipid Clinic at the Park Nicollet Heart & Vascular Center. Ross reflected on her experience presenting at the inaugural Cardiology Advanced Practice Providers (CAPP) meeting, where she highlighted the role of lifestyle medicine in improving cardiovascular health. She discussed how dietary modifications, particularly plant-based and whole grain options, have led to significant health improvements, including reduced blood pressure, weight loss, and lower cholesterol levels, in patients at her clinic.

Ross emphasized the importance of shifting focus from restrictive diets to positive guidance on food choices, advocating for whole food and plant-based options over supplements, which she notes are often overused and lack robust data for health benefits. She also provides practical tips for PAs and nurse practitioners on integrating lifestyle changes with pharmacologic treatments, especially in managing patients with high cholesterol who may require non-statin therapies. The episode concluded with a discussion on current trends and guidelines, including the efforts of the American College of Cardiology (ACC) to promote practical dietary changes, and Ross’s insights on group visits, and insurance reimbursement for non-statin therapies in specific cases.

All episodes of The APAC Recap will be available on HCPLive.com and our YouTube channel.