Gaps in Nutritional Awareness Among Cardiac Patients: Implications for Targeted Counseling and Dietary Education Programs

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death globally, with a particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan. Dietary behavior is a key modifiable risk factor in both prevention and management of CVDs. This study assessed the dietary knowledge, perceptions, and sources of nutritional information among cardiac patients attending the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. A cross-sectional design was used to recruit 466 patients aged ≥18 years with confirmed cardiovascular conditions. Data were collected using a structured, bilingual questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Results indicated substantial gaps in nutritional knowledge, despite 72.7% of participants perceiving their lifestyle as healthy. Over half (56%) were unaware of recommended sodium limits, and 46.1% did not recognize the health risks of processed and bakery items. Only 29.6% knew how to interpret food labels. Nutritional awareness was significantly associated with education level (p < 0.01). Furthermore, 61.2% relied on informal sources such as family or friends, and only 23.2% accessed dietary information through the internet. These findings underscore the disconnect between perceived and actual dietary practices and highlight the critical need for structured, accessible, and culturally relevant nutritional education. Implementation of tailored dietary counseling programs in outpatient settings, supported by digital tools and visual aids, may improve nutritional literacy and adherence to heart-healthy diets. Such interventions could lead to better clinical outcomes, reduced healthcare burden, and improved quality of life among cardiac patients in resource-limited settings.