Arterial hypertension significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases presenting major threats to human life and health. In the prevention and treatment of high arterial blood tension, the proper diet plays a significant role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the alcohol consumption, as well as the fat and sodium intakes in a selected group of adult outpatients with primary arterial hypertension. 33 outpatients with primary arterial hypertension and with no coexisting diseases participated in the survey. Also in order to compare and appropriately interpret the results obtained, 35 healthy people, the volunteers, participated in this survey as a control group. The participants of the 2 groups were polled on their dietary habits, among other things they had to characterize their consumption of alcohol and the intake of sodium. Moreover, their eating habits were assessed based on their dietary history obtained from a 24h survey conducted three times with the application of an 'Album with photos of products and dishes'. The energy value was evaluated and the amounts of selected nutrients covered by daily food rations were assessed using 'DIETETYK' computer software. It was found that, in the group of outpatients with arterial hypertension who did not drink alcohol, the supply of energy was significantly higher (p<0.05), as was the fat intake, including the intake of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, and essential fatty acids (EFA), compared to non-drinking outpatients. Furthermore, amidst the persons drinking alcohol, the cholesterol intake was found to exceed the recommended nutritional norms. Among the people with primary arterial hypertension, a high dietary sodium intake was reported, and those outpatients often salted more their dishes. In the control group, the statistical significances referred to a higher intake of saturated fatty acids by the polled who consumed alcohol. The conclusion is that the persons who drink alcohol also intake higher amounts of dietary "prohypertension" factors, such as fat (among other things saturated fats and cholesterol) and sodium, and, therefore, the increase in their arterial blood pressure can be intensified and significantly hinder treatment.
