Background: Dietary treatment plays an important role in prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). A significant factor that influences the fulfilment of dietary recommendations is also the knowledge of non-pharmacological methods of CVD prevention.
Aim: To evaluate the health knowledge and the dietary behaviours among subjects with established CVD and to assess how many of them meet recommended dietary allowances (RDA) for secondary prevention.
Methods: Within the framework of the National Multicentre Health Survey (WOBASZ), a representative sample of 7257 persons of the whole Polish population aged 20-74 was screened in years 2003-2005. A subsample of 803 persons (males--430, females--373) with a clinical history of myocardial infarction and/or coronary artery disease and/or heart failure and/or stroke and/or arrhythmia and/or PCI and/or coronary bypass surgery was analysed. Nutrients intake and health knowledge were assessed according to the study protocol.
Results: The evaluated group was characterised by a high prevalence of persons with obesity (70%), ex-smokers (49% in males and 22% in females) and smokers (27% and 13%, respectively). The proportion of patients with knowledge of the following CVD prevention methods was very low: weight reduction (33 vs. 35% males vs. females), increase of physical activity (54 vs. 52% respectively), salt reduction (23 vs. 21%), reducing fat intake (37 vs. 36%), and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables (23 vs. 23%). The low level of dietary knowledge was reflected by dietary behaviours. A low fat and low cholesterol diet was reported only by every 5th patient and a low calorie diet by every 100th. Adding salt to previously seasoned dishes was reported by 25% of males and 19% of females. Respectively, 49 and 32% consumed meat products with visible fat. The prevalence of persons whose diet met RDA was unsatisfactory. The degree of fulfilment of recommendations as to anti-oxidant vitamins (A, C and E), proteins, cholesterol and fruits and vegetables was relatively the best; however, also in this case only 40-80% of respondents followed the recommendations. The intake of fats, fatty acids and carbohydrates was less satisfactory. The correct amount of those nutritional components was consumed only by 20-39% of assessed patients. The worst situation was noted as to the intake of B vitamins, calcium and magnesium. The recommendations for those vitamins and minerals was followed only by 11-37% of evaluated persons.
Conclusions: In the Polish population subjects with established CVD are characterised by a low level of knowledge of non-pharmacological methods of preventing heart diseases and low quality of nutrition.