Prevention of cardiovascular disease and eating behaviour in postmenopausal women

Abstract

Abstract Introduction. A balanced diet can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases. It particularly applies to the increased risk patients, including postmenopausal women with dyslipidaemia. Aim. The aim of this study was to assess dietary habits, and consumption of selected nutrients which may have influence on the cardiovascular risk and determine nutritional knowledge in the group of women. Material and methods. The study was conducted in 60 postmenopausal women with dyslipidaemia. The nutritional status was assessed on the basis of anthropometric measurements. The assessment of nutrition was evaluated using a 24-hour dietary recall during 4 days. Based on the authors’ questionnaire, dietary habits and the level of knowledge on the cardiovascular risk factors were assessed. Results. The diet of the studied group of women was characterized by excessive supply of energy derived from fat and inappropriate supply of cholesterol, dietary fiber, sodium and vitamin D. Based on the assessed dietary habits, it was shown that the patients preferred foods with reduced fat content and mostly added salt for preparing their meals. Knowledge of factors affecting cardiovascular risk was insufficient. Conclusions. Inadequate diet with insufficient nutritional knowledge in the studied group of women may significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in the future.