Abstract

Objectives: To assess micronutrients intake and evaluate macronutrients components to identify nutritional deficiencies underlying cardiovascular risks.

Methods: A simple random sampling technique was utilized. The study population consisted of cardiac patients aged 18–50 years, admitted to the inpatient department of a tertiary-care public cardiology facility. A sample size of (N=222) was calculated using OpenEpi, with a 5% margin of error and an assumed cardiovascular disease prevalence of 17.5%. A cross-sectional design was employed to obtain a snapshot of prevailing nutritional risk. Data were collected using a self-designed demographic survey and the Mini Nutritional Assessment—Short Form tool. Participants' dietary intake was analyzed using a weekly Food Frequency Questionnaire, with Cronometer software used to estimate nutrient values. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25.0, applying descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (chi-square), and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 33.47 ± 9.44 years. The sample included 44.1% (n=98) males and 55.9% (n=124) females. Body mass index (BMI) distribution was 28.4% (n=63) underweight, 34.2% (n=76) normal weight, 28.4% (n=63) overweight, and 9.0% (n=20) obese. MANOVA indicated a statistically significant overall difference in nutrient intake profiles (Wilks’ Λ = 0.76, F(10, 428), p < 0.001). Well-nourished individuals demonstrated the highest mean intake of B vitamins, whereas malnourished individuals showed the lowest. Fat-soluble vitamin intake was also significantly higher among well-nourished individuals (Wilks’ Λ = 0.51, F(20, 418), p < 0.001). Similarly, mineral consumption differed significantly between groups, with the lowest intake observed in malnourished individuals.

Conclusion: Increased nutritional risk, associated with reduced food consumption during cardiovascular disease, was evident. Future studies are recommended to establish causal relationships between specific vitamins, minerals, and cardiovascular outcomes.