[Nutritional counseling for coronary and hypertensive patients]

Nutritional recommendations constitute a major aspect of the long term management of coronary and hypertensive patients, for which the established evidence is more and more solid. The benefits are not limited solely to the impact on weight and lipid parameters. In coronary patients, besides the reduction in saturated fatty acids, which is always indicated, an increase in the intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality, notably with sudden death. Intake of folates is also beneficial, as well as fruit and vegetable consumption. These elements are constituents of alimentary models such as the mediterranean diet. In hypertensives, weight reduction, limitation of alcohol and sodium intake, and increasing potassium and magnesium intakes have a demonstrable effect. Evaluation of patient compliance to nutritional recommendations is just as important as that of compliance to treatments and control of classic risk factors.