Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and Counseling in Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Nutritional guidelines in Arterial Hypertension (AH) are presently not sufficiently followed in Italy as elsewhere. Dietary adherence of patients can be a consequence of the different health professionals involved. Adherence to Mediterranean Diet and its Score (AMDS; range 0–55) is a tool used as a proxy for suggested guidelines in Italy.Methods630 AH out‐patients (F 334, M 296, age 61,9±11,9 years, BMI 27,8±5,4 Kg/m2 ) were studied. A dietary history, with 7‐days food recall records by Dietosystem Software, and AMDS were assessed.AH as a cardiovascular risk factor was explained to patients and dietary treatment prescribed. Difference between one year dietary changes were assessed comparing counseling results of Primary M.D.s, Specialist M.D.s (Cardiologist) and dietitians.ResultsSignificant one‐year AMDS changes were observed in each group.Greater AMDS change is observed in Dietitians' group: AMDS change from 27,60±8,77 to 37,20±4,52 (p < 0.0001).Significant BMI changes are present in Primary M.D.s group (BMI from 28,35±4,43 to 26,75±3,18; p<0.0001) and in Dietitian counseling group (BMI from 30,22±6,75 to 26,72±4,87;p<0.0001).ConclusionThe need of a consistent professional counseling in AH is necessary due to the co‐existence of obesity and of the low adherence to suggested dietary guidelines.Beneficial changes can be achieved using Mediterranean Diet as a nutritional and friendly paradigm.