Quality Index of the Diet of Patients with High Cardiovascular Risk: Clinical, Biochemical and Anthropometric Markers

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the diet quality index revised (DQI-R) and the clinical, biochemical and anthropometric markers of patients with high cardiovascular risk. Food consumption, anthropometric, clinical and biochemical data were assessed. Thirty-four patients (60.8±10.2 years) participated in the study, 52.9% being male, with high blood pressure (94.1%), coronary artery disease (94.1%), dyslipidemia (82.4% %) and acute myocardial infarction (79.4%). The average DQI-R punctuation score was 62.7 points (95% CI: 58.9-66.6). The highest DQI-R values (≥p75) were associated with lower diastolic blood pressure and higher respiratory capacity (p <0.05). There was a negative correlation between glycemia and adequacy of saturated fat intake (r = -0.676, p = 0.001) and between diastolic blood pressure and adequacy of “empty calories” intake (r = -0.405, p = 0.026). Positive correlation for respiratory capacity and total fruit intake (r = 0.380, p = 0.038) was observed. The diet quality index, due to lower ingestion of whole grains and fruits may be associated to clinical and biochemical outcomes in patients with high cardiovascular risk. These results indicate the relevance of nutritional interventions that could promote not only a healthy diet but also a better quality of life for these patients.