Healthy Hearts Family Program for Cardiovascular Disease

This trial aims to determine if the Healthy Hearts Family Program, a 6-month family-based initiative, can reduce heart disease risk in Hispanic families in northern Colorado. The program emphasizes improving heart health through physical activity, health education, and monitoring bodily changes. Families with at least one Hispanic member who are willing to wear a Fitbit daily and participate in screenings are suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers families the chance to contribute to important research that could improve heart health in their community.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to ask the trial coordinators for more details.

Research shows that the Healthy Hearts Family Program aims to prevent heart disease through education and lifestyle changes. Studies have found that similar programs are generally easy for participants to follow, often leading to improvements in heart health indicators like body weight and physical activity levels.

Although specific safety data for this program is unavailable, similar programs have been used in different states with positive results. These community-based programs have not reported major safety issues. Since the program does not involve medication or medical procedures, it is less likely to cause side effects.

The Healthy Hearts Family Program is unique because it focuses on involving the whole family in a prevention approach for cardiovascular disease, rather than just treating the individual. Standard treatments for cardiovascular disease often rely on medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgical interventions, but this program emphasizes a family-based strategy to promote long-term heart health. Researchers are excited about this method because it could lead to more sustainable lifestyle changes and better health outcomes by engaging family support, which is often a key factor in maintaining healthy habits. This comprehensive approach aims to not only reduce risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol but also improve overall family dynamics and health literacy.

Research has shown that the Healthy Hearts Family Program, which participants in this trial will join, can improve heart health by promoting lifestyle changes. One study found that similar programs increased physical activity and improved dietary habits, both crucial for heart health. Another study reported that participants gained confidence in managing their health, resulting in more exercise and healthier eating. Although not all studies showed significant improvements, these programs aim to help families make healthier choices to reduce heart disease risk. The program emphasizes simple steps like increasing activity and improving diet, aiming for long-term health benefits.²⁶⁷⁸⁹