[Food habits in primary dilated cardiomyopathy]

In this prospective study the nutritional profiles of 21 consecutive male hospital in-patients with primary dilated cardiomyopathy were evaluated in order to determine whether these profiles differed from those foodstuff consumed during on week and recording of the daily consumption of alcoholic beverages during the year preceding hospitalisation. The duration of dangerous alcohol consumption (more than 60 g/day) was also recorded. In these 21 patients the mean calorie intake was 3,600 kcal/day, including 500 kcal/day provided by alcohol. The mean nutrient intakes were: proteins 90 g/day, fats 100 g/day and carbohydrates 300 g/day. The daily alcohol consumption exceeded 20 years. Compared with the control population, the patients with primary dilated cardiomyopathy had a diet that was not lacking in calories but showed insufficient fat intake. Alcohol consumption was unquestionably excessive and constituted a major risk factor for this particular disease.