Dietary habits and cardiovascular risk in the Spanish population: the DRECE study (I). Diet and Cardiovascular Events Risk in Spain.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate dietary habits and their evolution with regard to cardiovascular risk status in Spain.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study performed in two phases in 1991 and 1996 in 43 primary care clinics. One thousand and two hundred people classified as 'with cardiovascular risk' and 600 'without risk' were studied. Each participant answered a food frequency questionnaire.


RESULTS
The risk group did not change oil, cereals and dairy products consumption, decreased egg, legume and meat, and increased fish, fruits and vegetables intake. The control group differed in increasing dairy products and not decreasing eggs and vegetables consumption. A small decrease in energy intake happened, from 11,315. 1 to 10,941.5 kJ in the risk group (p < 0.05). Carbohydrates intake showed a not statistically significant falling trend from 41.3 to 40.6% in people at risk and 41.8 to 40.7% in those without risk. Protein intake increased in both groups up to 16.5% and fat consumption kept at around 42.9% in both groups. The decrease in saturated fat and increase in polyunsaturated fat were statistically significant in people at risk (p = 0.000). High cholesterol intakes were found.


CONCLUSIONS
People with cardiovascular problems changed their dietary habits in a 'healthier' way than people without risk.
Ballesteros-Pomar
M D
MD
Department of Endocrinoloy and Nutrition, Madrid, Spain. mariaballesteros@worldonline.es
Rubio-Herrera
M A
MA
Gutiérrez-Fuentes
J A
JA
Gómez-Gerique
J A
JA
Gómez-de-la-Cámara
A
A
Pascual
O
O
Gárate
I
I
Montero
R
R
Campiña
S
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004032:Diet / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D004041:Dietary Fats; D010938:Plant Oils