Association of Eating Habits with Incident Cardiac Events among Filipino Patients at University of Santo Tomas Hospital: A Correlational Study

Background and Objective: Several correlation and prospective studies have revealed different eating behavior and dietary habits (skipping breakfast, and late night snacking) to be correlated with different cardiometabolic outcomes (overweight and weight gain, dyslipidemia, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and diabetes mellitus) which are risk factors for coronary heart disease. This study aimed to determine if there is an association between eating habits and incidence of acute coronary syndrome among Filipino patients at University of Santo Tomas Hospital.
Subjects/Method: Thirty six (19 male, 17 female) patients admitted at University of Santo Tomas Hospital with a diagnosis of Acute Coronary syndrome were interviewed regarding the frequencies of meal intake per day, breakfast intake per week and late night snacking per week. Baseline demographic characteristics and comorbidities were recorded.
Design: Observational/Correlational study
Statistical Analysis: Chi square test for correlation
Results: No association in frequency of meal intakes per day and the occurence of acute coronary syndrome (P= 0.174). There was significant difference in the frequency of breakfast intake (P=0.0) and late night snacking (P=0.0) among patients with acute coronary syndrome. More frequent breakfast intake (=/>4x/week) and less frequent late night snacking (<4x/week) were associated with all types of acute coronary syndrome, except for late night snacking and STEMI (ST segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction), for which there was no significant difference (P=0.116) in the frequency of late night snacking in patients with STEMI.
Conclusion: More frequent breakfast intake and less frequent late night snacking were associated with most types of acute coronary syndrome. Frequency of meal intake per day was not associated with acute coronary syndrome.