Nutritional characterization of elderly people with hypertension in Teresina, Piauí State.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional state and food consumption, and to characterize some aspects of life style, of hypertensive elderly who attend two social centers in Teresina city. The cross-sectional study comprised 125 elderly individuals of both sexes (17 men and 108 women), who were interviewed through a previously tested questionnaire. Nutritional variables were assessed through anthropometry, circumference measures and a 24-hour food record. The analysis found high rates of overweight (45,6%) and low weight (36,0%). The diastolic arterial pressure was positively associated with overweight (body mass index > 27). The distribution of central lipids showed high prevalence, indicating risk for cardiovascular diseases. The most consumed food types were: beans, milk, breads, cereals, rice, pastas and meats. A great adhesion to non-pharmacologycal therapies in the group of hypertensive elderly was not observed, showing the need to review the guidelines of the Control of Arterial Pressure Program for the Elderly.