Meals served to hypertensive and cardiac inpatients in Jordan: comparison with WHO and NIH dietary guidelines

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the compliance of daily meals served to hypertensive and cardiac inpatients in Jordan according to WHO guidelines and the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) and Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diets plans. Weekly cycle menus from the food service department of major hospitals in Jordan (n = 16) were analysed using ESHA Food Processor software to obtain data about macroand micronutrient contents and food groups represented. The results showed inappropriate amounts of several nutrients in the menus provided, along with a general noncompliance with the DASH, TLC and WHO guidelines. Meals had higher than recommended sodium content coupled with low potassium content. Fatty acid profiles were often outside the recommended ranges. Meals provided to cardiac inpatients in Jordan need to be revised to meet the guidelines specified for the health conditions of these patients.