O papel do estado nutrológico no metabolismo das doenças crônico-catabólicas

Introduction: The incidence and prevalence of cardiac insufficiency in the west countries is increasing, turning it into a public health problem. The protein energy malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies is a complication of CI, making important the nutritional status evaluation in these patients. Objective: To evaluate the nutrological profile of patients with cardiac insufficiency. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study where 30 patients with CI from Cardiology Clinics of Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine- São Paulo University. The nutrological status was evaluated by food frequency questionnaire, questions regarding digestive tract function, observation of the presence of clinical signs that might indicate nutrient deficiency, anthropometry and bioeletrical impedance. Results: The protein intake was below the recommended level in 25% of the patients. The phosphorus intake was within the recommended level whereas the sodium intake was above. Regarding body mass index, 35% of the patients were classified as overweight and 21% as obese. Regarding skinfold measurements 35% of men and 40% of the women were classified as having adipose tissue deficit and in accordance with bioelectrical impedance analysis 8% presented percent body fat below the mean. Conclusion: This population of patients with CI showed deficient protein and micronutrient intake although the body mass index compatible with overweight and obesity. This finding makes urgent a closed look at dietary habit of CI patients