La transición nutricional y las enfermedades cardiovasculares en la década de los noventa

Abstract

ntroduction. During the nineties Cuba faced an unexpected economic crisis that reduced the availability of foods, fuel and
energy. Consequently, life styles were modified, physical activity was increased, and changes were introduced in the
regular diet. Herein, the changes occurred in the diet and the physical activitiy are described, along with their influence on body composition. It is also discussed the consequences of these changes on the morbility and mortality patterns of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) during this period. Material and Methods. Data on foods and nutrients availability, physical activity, body
composition, and cardiovascular diseases´s morbility and mortality profiles was collected. Results and Discussion. During the period per cápita energy availability decreased 34%. More than 75% of the dietary energy intake was derived from sugar and low-fiber carbohydrates. Significant quantitative and qualitative changes were noted in the diet, as well as defficiencies of essential nutrients. The percentage of overweight and obese people decreased, as well as the percentage of sedentary persons. The prevalence of high blood pressure increased 2.6 times among the general population, with a 3.5 times increase among those aged 60 – 64 years. CVD mortality decreased slightly, due to a reduction in the mortality caused related to ischemic heart diseases. Shifts in diets, physical activity and body composition were associated with reduction in mortality rate attributed to CVD. The increased prevalence of high blood pressure might be related to dietary changes, in view of the elevated
consumption of sugars and low-fiber carbohydrates, and the deficiency of essential nutrients. All of these factors might cause a rise in the blood pressure values in susceptibles subjects.