A nurse is assisting with teaching a community health class about reducing the risk for heart disease. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

This scenario requires the application of cardiovascular health promotion and disease prevention guidelines. The nurse must identify evidence-based dietary and lifestyle parameters that effectively reduce the overall risk of developing coronary heart disease. Choice A rationale Maintaining a body mass index under 25 prevents obesity-related metabolic stress, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. This optimal weight range significantly minimizes structural and functional workload changes that lead to coronary heart disease. Choice B rationale Saturated fats should be restricted to less than 10 percent, or ideally 7 percent, of total daily calories. A level of 29 percent is abnormally high and severely accelerates atherogenic plaque formation. Choice C rationale Sodium intake should ideally be restricted to less than 2,300 mg daily, or 1,500 mg for high-risk individuals. A limit of 2,500 mg exceeds recommended guidelines and promotes hypertension. Choice D rationale Total serum cholesterol should be maintained below 200 mg/dL to prevent cardiovascular disease. A value of 300 mg/dL is hypercholesterolemic and directly promotes atherosclerotic vascular occlusion and coronary events.