Nutrients, Vol. 17, Pages 754: Assessment of Nutritional Knowledge, Dietary Habits and Nutritional Status of Cardiology Patients, Considering Differences Between Individuals with Hypertension and Atherosclerosis and Those Without These Conditions
Nutrients doi: 10.3390/nu17050754
Authors:
Anna-Maria Sapała
Wiktoria Staśkiewicz-Bartecka
Agata Kiciak
Marek Kardas
Background/Objectives: Proper nutrition and correct habits and behaviours are crucial elements in the treatment and prevention of hypertension or atherosclerosis. This study aims to assess the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and nutritional status of cardiology patients, particularly those with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Methods: The study was conducted at St. Barbara Regional Specialized Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec from January to June 2021. It included 301 patients, 51.2% women (N = 154) and 48.8% men (N = 147), who were assessed for Body Mass Index, Nutritional Risk Score, and morphological and biochemical test results. Their knowledge and dietary habits were examined using a questionnaire and rating scale designed by the authors. While the study encompassed all cardiology patients, a subgroup analysis specifically examined individuals diagnosed with hypertension and/or atherosclerosis. Results: 80% of the respondents showed above-normal body weight, while there were no significant differences in the risk of malnutrition according to the Nutritional Risk Score. The diet analysis revealed insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, whole grains, and fish, while the consumption of salty snacks, sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol was low. Analysis of morphology and biochemistry results showed no significant differences between patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and others. Conclusions: The study reveals insufficient nutritional knowledge and poor dietary habits among cardiology patients, highlighting the need for targeted education to improve dietary behaviours and reduce cardiovascular risks. Implementing nutrition-focused interventions in cardiology care could enhance patient outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of dietary education and identify effective strategies for behavioural change in this population.
Background/Objectives: Proper nutrition and correct habits and behaviours are crucial elements in the treatment and prevention of hypertension or atherosclerosis. This study aims to assess the nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, and nutritional status of cardiology patients, particularly those with hypertension and atherosclerosis. Methods: The study was conducted at St. Barbara Regional Specialized Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec from January to June 2021. It included 301 patients, 51.2% women (N = 154) and 48.8% men (N = 147), who were assessed for Body Mass Index, Nutritional Risk Score, and morphological and biochemical test results. Their knowledge and dietary habits were examined using a questionnaire and rating scale designed by the authors. While the study encompassed all cardiology patients, a subgroup analysis specifically examined individuals diagnosed with hypertension and/or atherosclerosis. Results: 80% of the respondents showed above-normal body weight, while there were no significant differences in the risk of malnutrition according to the Nutritional Risk Score. The diet analysis revealed insufficient intake of fruits, vegetables, legumes, dairy, whole grains, and fish, while the consumption of salty snacks, sweetened beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol was low. Analysis of morphology and biochemistry results showed no significant differences between patients with atherosclerosis, hypertension, and others. Conclusions: The study reveals insufficient nutritional knowledge and poor dietary habits among cardiology patients, highlighting the need for targeted education to improve dietary behaviours and reduce cardiovascular risks. Implementing nutrition-focused interventions in cardiology care could enhance patient outcomes. Future research should explore the long-term effects of dietary education and identify effective strategies for behavioural change in this population. Read More