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Introduction

This educational tool has been designed to help practice nurses and other healthcare professionals to develop and widen their knowledge in the area of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the risk factors than can be modified to reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.

The aim of the training package is to provide you with information and equip you with the necessary skills to deliver CVD advice to patients who either need general lifestyle advice, or who may need to make changes to their lifestyle to reduce their risk of CVD.

After completing this training package, you will be able to:

  • Use statistics to explain that CVD the leading cause of mortality in the UK
  • Describe the major regional, socioeconomic and ethnic differences in rates of death from CVD across the UK
  • Define the main risk factors for CVD
  • Describe the role of diet and lifestyle factors in reducing the risk of CVD
  • Explain the role of cholesterol in the development of CVD and to define the main causes of high cholesterol levels
  • Describe the role of dietary fats in heart health and list the dietary sources of each type of fat
  • Define and describe the role of other dietary factors in CV health, such as fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fibre, salt, soya, B vitamins, functional foods and alcohol
  • Explain to a patient the link between obesity and CVD
  • Describe the role of physical activity in reducing CVD risk and to be aware of the current Government recommendations for physical activity
  • Describe and explain the psychology of eating
  • Identify barriers to making lifestyle changes
  • Set effective goals with patients

The tool comprises the following sections:

  • Section 1: Introduction to cardiovascular disease
  • Section 2: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease
  • Section 3: Diet and cardiovascular disease
  • Section 4: Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Section 5: Physical activity
  • Section 6: Delivering heart health advice to patients

Using the training package

Each section provides detailed information for you to read, but has been designed to be quick and easy to use. At the end of each of sections 2-6 you will find a set of test questions corresponding to the information you have just read and we suggest that you read through each section in order. If you would like to go back to review a section once you have completed it you can do so but you can only complete the test questions once.

To move from one page to the next, click on the Next Page button at the bottom of the page. Depending on where you are within the training, you can click on the “up a level button” to return to either the section menu or the main menu. Once you have completed a section you will be given the option to move onto the next section or return to the main menu.

Test questions

The test questions are multiple-choice, simply click on the option that you think is correct and submit your answers. Each section is scored, and should you get any wrong, the correct answers can be found at the end of the resource.

If your total score is more than 35 out of 41, you will be posted a certificate to confirm that you have successfully completed the HeART Health Training package.

Each section and corresponding test questions can be completed in approximately 30 minutes.

Reflection and Evaluation

At the end of the training package, there is a reflection form which you can print off and complete for your professional portfolio. You will also find an evaluation form, to be completed online. This will enable us to continually improve and enhance the quality of the nurse training package in the future.

For further reading

A list of references is supplied at the end of each section. Use these references to gain more in depth knowledge and information about heart health. Section 7 provides a list of organisations who you can contact for further information. The organisations provide information, resources, training and conference on cardiovascular disease, diet and physical activity.

Contributor details

The training package has been written by a number of qualified professionals:

Diet and nutrition

  • Emma Williams, Registered Dietitian
  • Kate Twine, Registered Dietitian
  • Jacqui Morrell, Registered Dietitian
  • Nichola Gokool, Registered Dietitian

Physical activity

  • Professor Alison McConnell – Sport Sciences Research Development, Brunel University

Delivering heart health advice to patients

  • Paula Hunt, Registered Dietitian and Behaviour Change Trainer

Register & take part

To take part in the interactive aspects of the Online Training Resource you will need to register. Once registered you will be able to keep track of your score and progress, logging in and out of the site at your leisure.