Prevalence, geographic distribution and geographic variability of major cardiovascular risk factors in Spain. Pooled analysis of data from population-based epidemiological studies: the ERICE Study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence and geographic distribution of major cardiovascular risk factors in the Spanish population. To investigate whether geographic variability exists.

METHODS

Data were pooled from eight cross-sectional epidemiologic studies carried out in Spain between 1992 and 2001 whose methodological quality satisfied predefined criteria. Individual data were reassessed and analyzed by age group (20-44 years, 45-64 years, and 365 years), sex and geographic area. The study population included 19,729 individuals. Mean values and unadjusted and adjusted prevalence rates were derived for various risk factors.

RESULTS

The most common cardiovascular risk factors in the Spanish population were, in descending order: hypercholesterolemia (i.e., total cholesterol >200 mg/dL) in 46.7%, hypertension in 37.6%, smoking in 32.2%, obesity in 22.8%, and diabetes mellitus in 6.2%. The mean values for blood pressure, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and glycemia varied considerably with age, sex and geographic area. The highest levels of cardiovascular risk factors were observed in Mediterranean and south-eastern areas of the country and the lowest, in northern and central areas.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of major cardiovascular risk factors in Spain was high. Their distribution varied considerably with geographic area.