IMPORTANCE OF DIETARY GUIDANCE IN HYPERTENSIVE ELDERLY PEOPLE

Abstract

Systemic Arterial Hypertension (SAH) is a disease with high national prevalence, resulting from changes in complex control mechanisms, subject to the influence of genetic and environmental factors. When not treated properly, it causes serious complications, leading to patients dying. Lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, physical activity and drinking little sodium and alcohol, are the most recommended for preventing hypertension, as they reduce mortality rates from cardiovascular complications. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional status of hypertensive patients at the Basic Family Health Unit, in the municipality of Coremas/PB and identify the perceptions of hypertensive patients regarding body weight control, nutrition and access to nutritional guidelines for the treatment of hypertension. Method: A questionnaire was applied to obtain data on socioeconomic conditions, nutritional status, difficulties in treating hypertension, as well as perceptions about body weight control, nutrition and access to nutritional guidance. Results: It was observed that the majority of patients were not aware of the basic maintenance care for SAH, that the choice of foods was made based on the lowest financial cost and with fewer preparation steps, thus prevailing many processed foods with additives and rich in sodium, being correlated with the main comorbidities observed in these elderly people. Conclusion: Through this experience, it was possible to evaluate the importance of guiding hypertensive elderly people on the adoption of healthy eating habits as a non-drug treatment for SAH, as well as providing adequate nutritional guidance and monitoring for the elderly.