Allegheny General Hospital Launches Vegetarian-Based Health Initiative to Improve Heart Health Among Nursing Staff

Studies Demonstrate the Nursing Workforce Fares Worse in Cardiovascular Disease Outcomes Compared to Other Professions, Due to Stress, Burnout and Lifestyle Factors

PITTSBURGH – AHN Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) is launching a new lifestyle-based health initiative– The AHN Cardiovascular Prevention Program – aimed at improving cardiovascular outcomes among the hospital’s nursing workforce.

The program will formally kick off this month with a vegetarian cooking demonstration at the hospital, featuring speakers from the network’s leading Cardiovascular Institute. AGH is Allegheny Health Network’s (AHN) academic flagship and the hub of its nationally-recognized cardiovascular program.

Made possible by a generous $100,000 gift from an anonymous donor whose own heart health was transformed through a vegan lifestyle, the program will focus on promoting plant-based eating and lifestyle modifications to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors.

Recognizing the significant stress experienced by nurses, particularly post-COVID, and the disproportionately high burden of cardiovascular risk factors within the nursing profession, AGH has developed this program to improve heart health for nurses on the front line.

Indu Poornima, MD, cardiologist, medical director of the AHN Women’s Heart Center and system director of clinical cardiology & imaging, is the program’s clinical lead.

“Numerous studies demonstrate that nurses across the country are at a disproportionately higher risk for adverse cardiovascular events compared to the general population,” explained Dr. Poornima. “We’re excited to launch this thoughtful, lifestyle-modification program and we hope it will make a lasting impact on not only the participants, but the entire campus at AGH.”

According to a recent retrospective study (/doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286245) evaluating cardiovascular profiles of more than 115,000 nurses, sedentary lifestyles, genetic predispositions, obesity, sleep disorders, and alcohol consumption were the most prevalent risk factors.

Studies also show that CVD significantly increases for nurses who work overnight or are on a rotating shift-based schedule.

Plant-based diets have been proven to significantly improve overall cardiovascular health, and have been associated with lower rates of ischemic heart disease, lower body-mass index, lower cholesterol and A1C when comparted to more traditional diets in the United States.

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one cause of death in the country, more so than all forms of cancer combined, according to the American Heart Association.

The program will enroll 100 nurses at AGH with at least one known cardiovascular risk factor, encompassing both daytime and night-shift team members. Participants will engage in a comprehensive six-month program featuring:

• Education on Vegetarian and Vegan Diets: Practical guidance on implementing plant-based eating in real-time, with quarterly cooking demonstrations.
• Focus Groups: Regular discussions hosted both virtually and in-person to address implementation challenges and share experiences. These groups will host featured speakers and cover a range of topics including exercise and nutrition planning, smoking and alcohol cessation, sleep, mindfulness, and stress management.  
• Monitoring: Tracking progress through pedometers (supplied through the program), food logs, blood work, weight, and BMI.
• Incentives: Supporting healthy choices through free gym memberships, increased availability of vegan and vegetarian options in the hospital cafeteria and salad bar, and vouchers for fresh produce.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with virtual fitness programs like Wellbeats.

Success will be measured at the 6- and 12-month marks by tracking improvements in cardiovascular health outcomes, weight, BMI, and a reduction in reported stress levels. The data collected will inform future initiatives and contribute to a better understanding of the benefits of plant-based eating and lifestyle modifications within the healthcare profession.

“This program is about more than just lifestyle modifications – it’s about building community and fostering a culture of health and well-being,” Dr. Poornima said. "By providing education, support, and practical resources, we are confident that we can empower our nurses to make lasting changes that will improve their cardiovascular health, allowing them to be at their healthiest for their family members, loved ones and patients.”

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