Factores de riesgo cardiovascular en España en la primera década del siglo xxi: análisis agrupado con datos individuales de 11 estudios de base poblacional, estudio DARIOS

No evidence of morbidity compression in Spain: a time series study based on national hospitalization records

OBJECTIVES

Compression of morbidity postulates that as the populations age, the age of onset of disease is postponed. The objective of this study is to test for evidence of compression of morbidity in Spain.

METHODS

We calculated the age and sex-specific incidence of myocardial infarction, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, as well as bladder, prostate, breast, lung, and colon cancer among hospital discharges covering 99.5 % of the Spanish population, approximately 40 million inhabitants for two non-overlapping periods, 1997-2000 and 2007-2010, and estimated the length of life spent with disease using the Sullivan method.

RESULTS

We found that expansion of morbidity due to an earlier age-specific onset of incident disease and increase in life expectancy was the norm in Spain. Notable exceptions were cardiovascular disease in women (-0.2 % time spent with disease) and lung cancer for men (-0.9 % time spent with disease) from 1997-2000 to 2007-2010.

CONCLUSIONS

Compression of morbidity is often cited by policy makers when discussing adjustments to the health-care system. If morbidity is measured by age at onset of disease, the burden of morbidity has increased in Spain.

[Nutritional status of the population over 65 years of age in the city of Badajoz]

INTRODUCTION

Nutritional status is strongly associated with the level of health and quality of life of the population, and is especially relevant in the case of the elderly.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to study the nutritional status in a population of non-institutionalised over 65 year-olds in the city of Badajoz, describing the sociodemographic variables, biochemical parameters, and functional assessment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A descriptive study was performed using a design population, which was randomised and stratified in health centres of the city, with a sample size of 298 patients being obtained. The sociodemographic variables included gender, age, educational level, anthropometric analysis with estimated body mass index, and percentage fat weight. Statistical tests were performed using SPSS v.15 statistical package.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight and obesity as measured by fat weight was 61.9% (56.1-67.8), with a body mass index of 65.8% (60.2-71.4). It was higher in women, with a fat weight of 67.3% (2.56 to 2.73) and a body mass index of 71.8% (2.64 to 2.78). The nutritional status of the population according to the questionnaire "Know your nutritional health" was rated "good".

CONCLUSION

The most common nutritional problem in the non-institutionalised population over 65 years in the city of Badajoz is obesity, especially in women, and in people with low educational level. This high prevalence suggests that health education on a better lifestyle in this population should be a priority.

Statement of the Spanish Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Prevention Committee (CEIPC for its Spanish acronym) on the 2012 European Cardiovascular Prevention Guidelines

Based on the two main frameworks for evaluating scientific evidence (SEC and GRADE) European cardiovascular prevention guidelines recommend interventions across all life stages using a combination of population-based and high-risk strategies with diet as the cornerstone of prevention. The evaluation of cardiovascular risk (CVR) incorporates HDL levels and psychosocial factors, a very high risk category, and the concept of age-risk. They also recommend cognitive-behavioural methods (e.g., motivational interviewing, psychological interventions) led by health professionals and with the participation of the patient's family, to counterbalance psychosocial stress and reduce CVR through the institution of positive habits such as a healthy diet, physical activity, smoking cessation, and adherence to treatment. Additionally, public health interventions - such as smoking ban in public areas or the elimination of trans fatty acids from the food chain - are also essential. Other innovations include abandoning antiplatelet therapy in primary prevention and the recommendation of maintaining blood pressure within the 130-139/80-85 mmHg range in diabetic patients and individuals with high CVR. Finally, due to the significant impact on patient progress and medical costs, special emphasis is given to the low therapeutic adherence levels observed. In sum, improving cardiovascular prevention requires a true partnership among the political class, public administrations, scientific and professional associations, health foundations, consumer associations, patients and their families. Such partnership would promote population-based and individual strategies by taking advantage of the broad spectrum of scientific evidence available, from clinical trials to observational studies and mathematical models to evaluate population-based interventions, including cost-effectiveness analyses.

The ALFA project: A research platform to identify early pathophysiological features of Alzheimer's disease

Introduction

The preclinical phase of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is optimal for identifying early pathophysiological events and developing prevention programs, which are shared aims of the ALFA project, including the ALFA registry and parent cohort and the nested ALFA+ cohort study.

Methods

The ALFA parent cohort baseline visit included full cognitive evaluation, lifestyle habits questionnaires, DNA extraction, and MRI. The nested ALFA+ study adds wet and imaging biomarkers for deeper phenotyping.

Results

A total of 2743 participants aged 45 to 74 years were included in the ALFA parent cohort. We show that this cohort, mostly composed of cognitively normal offspring of AD patients, is enriched for AD genetic risk factors.

Discussion

The ALFA project represents a valuable infrastructure that will leverage with different studies and trials to prevent AD. The longitudinal ALFA+ cohort will serve to untangle the natural history of the disease and to model the preclinical stages to develop successful trials.

On the problem of type 2 diabetes-related mortality in the Canary Islands, Spain. The DARIOS Study

AIMS

To compare diabetes-related mortality rates and factors associated with this disease in the Canary Islands compared with other 10 Spanish regions.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional study of 28,887 participants aged 35-74 years in Spain, data were obtained for diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, insulin resistance (IR), and metabolic syndrome. Healthcare was measured as awareness, treatment and control of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Standardized mortality rate ratios (SRR) were calculated for the years 1981 to 2011 in the same regions.

RESULTS

Diabetes, obesity, and hypertension were more prevalent in people under the age of 64 in the Canary Islands than in Spain. For all ages, metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance (IR) were also more prevalent in those from the Canary Islands. Healthcare parameters were similar in those from the Canary Islands and the rest of Spain. Diabetes-related mortality in the Canary Islands was the highest in Spain since 1981; the maximum SRR was reached in 2011 in men (6.3 versus the region of Madrid; p<0.001) and women (9.5 versus Madrid; p<0.001). Excess mortality was prevalent from the age of 45 years and above.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes-related mortality is higher in the Canary Islands population than in any other Spanish region. The high mortality and prevalence of IR warrants investigation of the genetic background associated with a higher incidence and poor prognosis for diabetes in this population. The rise in SRR calls for a rapid public health policy response.

[Consensus on objectives and action guidelines on low density lipoproteins-cholesterol control in very high risk cardiovascular patients]

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. Among cardiovascular disease risk factors one of the most relevant is low-density lipoprotein-associated cholesterol (LDL-c), but there is controversy about the methods used to control it. The aim was to obtain an expert opinion to clarify the most relevant issues regarding the control of dyslipidemia in very high cardiovascular risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey with 55 items, stratified into 4 blocks: LDL-c as a therapeutic target, therapeutic goals, causes of the failure to achieve LDL-c goals, and recommendations to optimize their achievement, was addressed to 41 specialists (Cardiology and Internal Medicine) using the Delphi method to achieve professional consensus criteria.

RESULTS

A high consensus was reached among all items, in line with the European recommendations. The panelists considered that the goal of 70mg/dl for LDL-c for high cardiovascular disease risk (mainly vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure), using combined treatment when necessary. Lack of adherence and therapeutic inertia were considered the main reasons for treatment failure.

CONCLUSION

The Spanish experts show an elevated consensus with the European recommendations, confirming the LDL-c control target of <70mg/dl. The simplification of the guidelines and the combined treatment may favor an improvement the achievement of lipid target goals.

Cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle, and social determinants: a cross-sectional population study

BACKGROUND

The influence of socioeconomic development is often disregarded in epidemiological studies into the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors.

AIM

To analyse the relationship between major cardiovascular risk factors and socioeconomic indicators.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Cross-sectional, population-wide study in primary care practices in the health area of Don Benito-Villanueva de la Serena, Badajoz, Extremadura, Spain.

METHOD

A total of 2833 people aged 25-79 years (mean age 51.2 years), representative of the population, participated in the study. The prevalence and odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for diabetes, arterial hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking, and sedentary behaviour, according to level of education and employment status.

RESULTS

A high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors related to the level of education and employment status. Females who had not studied at university had a higher risk of obesity (OR = 2.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5 to 4.2), smoking (OR 2.5, 95% CI = 1.7 to 3.7), and sedentary behaviour (OR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.5 to 3.9) than females with a university education. Males who had not studied at university showed an increased risk of smoking (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.4 to 3.1), arterial hypertension (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.4), hypercholesterolaemia (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.2), and obesity (OR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.3) than males with a university education. The risk of obesity was higher in unemployed females than those in paid employment (OR =1.4, 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.9), but they showed a lower risk of smoking (OR = 0.7, 95% CI = 0.5 to 0.9).

CONCLUSION

The study results confirm an inverse association between the level of education and the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. Public health studies and interventions are needed to understand this association and develop interventions targeted at the population that is at greatest risk.

Prevalence, Treatment, and Control of Hypercholesterolemia in High Cardiovascular Risk Patients: Evidences from a Systematic Literature Review in Spain

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a major Public Health burden. High serum cholesterol levels have been linked to major CV risk. The objectives of this study were to review the epidemiology of hypercholesterolemia in high risk CV patients from Spain, by assessing its prevalence, the proportion of diagnosed patients undergoing pharmacological treatment and the degree of attained lipid control.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was carried out using Medline and two Spanish databases. Manuscripts containing information on hypercholesterolemia in several high CV risk groups [diabetes mellitus (DM), Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) risk >5, or documented CVD], published between January 2010 and October 2014, were included.

RESULTS

Of the 1947 published references initially retrieved, a full-text review was done on 264 manuscripts and 120 were finally included. Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia ranged from 50 to 84% in diabetics, 30-60% in patients with DM or elevated SCORE risk, 64-74% with coronary heart disease, 40-70% in stroke patients, and 60-80% in those with peripheral artery disease. Despite the finding that most of them were on pharmacological treatment, acceptable control of serum lipids was very variable, ranging from 15% to 65%. Among those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, 95-100% received treatment but less than 50% achieved their therapeutic goals.

CONCLUSIONS

An elevated prevalence of hypercholesterolemia can be found in targeted groups at high CV risk. Although most patients are receiving pharmacological treatment, rates of lipid control continue to be low, both in primary and secondary prevention.

Incidence of type 2 diabetes and associated factors in the adult population of the Community of Madrid. PREDIMERC cohort

OBJECTIVES

Determine the incidence and risk factors of type2 diabetes in the adult population of Madrid (Spain) and compare the predictive models of type2 diabetes based on the prediabetes criteria of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prospective study was conducted on a population cohort composed of 2048 individuals between 30 and 74years of age with no diabetes. At the start of the study, an epidemiological survey was performed, and baseline glycaemia, HbA1c, body mass index and waist circumference were measured. A follow-up of 6.4years was conducted. New cases of type2 diabetes were identified using the electronic primary care medical history.

RESULTS

The incidence of type2 diabetes was 3.5 cases/1000 person-years. In the multivariate analysis, the variables that were associated with the onset of type2 diabetes were age, family history of diabetes, baseline glycaemia (100-125mg/dL), HbA1c (5.7-6.4%) and waist circumference (≥94cm for men and ≥80cm for women). Of these, the most significantly associated variables were baseline glycaemia and HbA1c. The ADA and WHO criteria for defining prediabetes had the same predictive capacity.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of type2 diabetes measured in Madrid was lower than that found in other population studies, with the glucometabolic state the main factor associated with progression to type2 diabetes. There were no differences between the prediabetes defined by the ADA and the WHO for predicting the onset of the disease.

[Achievement of cardiovascular goals in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease]

AIMS

To determine the proportion of patients with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease achieving the main cardiovascular goals.

METHODS

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

A regional health district in a European country, Spain. Year: 2013.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease.

MEASUREMENTS

Study using secondary data obtained from electronic records of clinical history. Haemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, smoking and medication were covered. n=49,658 RESULTS: The proportion of patients with diabetes achieving cardiovascular goals (among those with recent measurement) was: haemoglobin A1c 68.8% (CI95%:68.2%-69.4%), blood pressure 74.3% (CI95%:73.9%-74.7%), LDL cholesterol 59.8% (CI95%:59.0%-60.6%), tobacco 80.2% (CI95%:79.6%-80.8%). Only 40%-67% of patients has recent measurement. Only 48.0% (CI95%: 46.6%-49.4%) of patients who needed statins were receiving them. Higher proportion of patients with cardiovascular disease were achiving goals. Differences were small but significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiovascular goals were measured in around half of patients with diabetes. Proportion of patients achiving cardiovascular goals were similar to published and best in patients with cardiovascular disease but it could improve. This points to prioritising interventions in this group of patients at very high risk, improving the implementation of guidelines and patient adherence.

[Perception of cardiovascular risk in an outpatient population of the Madrid Community]

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular diseases are responsible for the largest burden of global mortality. The study of the degree of knowledge of their population risk factors and cardiovascular risk is a priority preventive strategy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 369 people was performed. The sociodemographic variables were cardiovascular risk and perception as well as physical and anthropometric factors. The risk was stratified with the SCORE table.

RESULTS

A total of 49.6% were men and 50.4% were women. The proportion of diagnosis was 23.8% in HTA, 39% in hypercholesterolemia, 31.4% in smoking, 26.3% in obesity and 4.6% in diabetes. Concordance between perceived and real cardiovascular risk was very weak.

DISCUSSION

The population has good knowledge about diabetes and acceptable knowledge about hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia but knowledge in prediabetic states and perception of the associated cardiovascular risk is low.

[The relevance of the ankle-arm index to the reclassification of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic hypertensive middle-aged males]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The ankle-brachial index allows for the detection of subclinical cardiovascular disease and risk, by diagnosing peripheral arterial disease and arterial calcification. Asymptomatic hypertensive men, between 45-55 years and with the suspicion of low risk, could be an important population group to benefit from this technique. The aim of the study was to compare the frequency of abnormal ankle-brachial index (subclinical peripheral arterial disease and arterial calcification) between asymptomatic hypertensive and non-hypertensive men, of the same age and suspicion of low risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Two hundred and forty-four asymptomatic men (122 hypertensive and 122 non-hypertensive), between 45 and 55 years and an REGICOR index<10, were voluntarily recruited using consecutive sampling. Complete anamnesis, physical examination, laboratory tests and ankle-brachial index determination were carried out on all patients.

RESULTS

We detected abnormal ankle-brachial index values in 9.8% (12 cases) of the hypertensive subjects and in 1.6% (2 cases) of non-hypertensive subjects (P=.006). In the multivariate analysis, hypertension was significantly associated with an abnormal ankle-brachial index (P<.026) (odds ratio [OR] 5.9, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2-28.3), smoking (P=.018) (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.2-6.2) and abdominal obesity (P=.005) (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.3-5.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The population group analyzed in this study might be considered as an overriding segment for detecting subclinical cardiovascular disease and risk with the ankle-brachial index. Further studies are needed to establish the prevalence of abnormal ankle-brachial index in this population in order to assess its efficiency.

Age and sex differences in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in a population-based Spanish cohort

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Spain ranges between 10% and 20%. However, very little is known about the incidence of DM because of difficulties involved in estimating it and its apparent lack of usefulness in practice. The aim of the present study was to describe the incidence of type 1 and type 2 DM (T1DM and T2DM, respectively) in the Castilla y León diabetes cohort (CODICyL).

METHODS

New diabetes cases, were registered on a standard form that included diagnostic criteria, background, symptoms, results of clinical examination, complications, other cardiovascular risk factors, and treatment. There were 1 354 619 person-years monitored between 2000 and 2013. We estimated the incidence of DM and calculated the relative risks adjusted for age, gender, and year of diagnosis with Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

The incidence of DM in individuals aged ≥15 years was 196.9 per 100 000 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 188.4-205.7), whereas in those aged <15 years the incidence was 10.8 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 7.8-14.8). Men had a 36% higher risk than women of developing T2DM (95% CI 25%-49%). The greatest incidence of T2DM was found in 55-64-year-old men and 65-69-year-old women.

CONCLUSIONS

The annual incidence of T2DM is approximately 2 per 1000 person-years, higher in men, and peaks in middle age. Although specific tests to differentiate between the two types of DM are not available in this study, the estimation of incidence in those <15 years of age (10.8 per 100 000 person-years) represents a close approximation of the incidence of T1DM.

The role of population change in the increased economic differences in mortality: a study of premature death from all causes and major groups of causes of death in Spain, 1980-2010

Background

An increase has been observed in differences in mortality between the richest and poorest areas of rich countries. This study assesses whether one of the proposed explanations, i.e., population change, might be responsible for this increase in Spain.

Methods

Observational study based on average income, population change and mortality at provincial level. The premature mortality rate (ages 0–74 years) was estimated for all causes and for cancer, cardiovascular disease and external causes across the period 1980–2010. In the years analysed, provinces were grouped into tertiles based on provincial income, with the mortality rate ratio (MMR) being estimated by taking the tertile of highest-income provinces as reference. Population change was then controlled for to ascertain whether it would modify the rate ratio.

Results

In all-cause mortality, the magnitude of the MRR for provinces in the poorest versus the richest tertile was 1.01 in 1980 and 1.12 in 2010; in cardiovascular mortality, the MMRs for these same years were 1.08 and 1.31 respectively; and in the case of cancer and external-cause mortality, MMR magnitude was similar in 1980 and 2010. The magnitude of the MMR remained unchanged in response to adjustment for population change, with the single exception of 1980, when it increased in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusion

The increase in the difference in premature mortality between the richest and poorest areas in Spain is due to the increased difference in cardiovascular mortality. This increase is not accounted for by population change. In rich countries, more empirical evidence is thus needed to test other alternative explanations for the increase in economic differences in mortality.

[Chronic kidney disease in Primary Health Care: prevalence and associated risk factors]

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of chronic kidney disease and associated risk factors in subjects over 60 years of age, as well as its staging by determining the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional observational study.

SETTING

Primary Health Care.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients≥60 years of age who were seen in 40 Primary Health Care centres with serum creatinine measured in a central laboratory between January 1 and December 31, 2010.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

kidney transplant, home care.

MAIN MEASURES

Social-demographic and anthropometric data, cardiovascular risk factors, and diseases established according to electronic clinical records. Serum creatinine was measured using standardised Jaffe kinetic method, and GFR estimated with MDRD-4-IDMS and CKD-EPI.

RESULTS

A total of 97,665 subjects (57.3% women, median age 70.0 years [Q1: 65.0, Q3: 77.0]). GFR-MDRD prevalence<60=15.1% (16.6% in women, 13.2% in men; P<.001) and increased with age. Multivariate analysis showed a positive association between GFR-MDRD<60 and age (OR=1.74; 95% CI 1.70 to 1.77), hypertension (OR=2.18; 95% CI 2.08 to 2.30), heart failure (OR=2.03; 95% CI 1.83 to 2.25), atrial fibrillation (OR=1.57; 95% CI 1.41 to 1.76), ischaemic heart disease (OR=1.40; 95% CI 1.30 to 1.50), peripheral arterial disease (OR=1.31; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.57), dyslipidaemia (OR=1.28; 95% CI 1.23 to 1.33), diabetes (OR=1.26; 95% CI 1.17 to 1.34), and stroke (OR=1.17; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.25). The GFR-CKD-EPI model showed an increase in OR with age and male sex, that became significant as a chronic kidney disease risk factor.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic kidney disease has considerable prevalence in subjects≥60 years seen in Primary Health Care, more in women, and increasing with age. Hypertension, more than diabetes, was the main associated cardiovascular risk factor.

Usefulness of cardiac MRI in the prognosis and follow-up of ischemic heart disease

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool that makes it possible to evaluate patients with cardiovascular disease; in addition to infarction and alterations in myocardial perfusion, cardiac MRI is useful for evaluating other phenomena such as microvascular obstruction and ischemia. The main prognostic factors in cardiac MRI are ventricular dysfunction, necrosis in late enhancement sequences, and ischemia in stress sequences. In acute myocardial infarction, cardiac MRI can evaluate the peri-infarct zone and quantify the size of the infarct. Furthermore, cardiac MRI's ability to detect and evaluate microvascular obstruction makes it a fundamental tool for establishing the prognosis of ischemic heart disease. In patients with chronic ischemic heart disease, cardiac MRI can detect ischemia induced by pharmacological stress and can diagnose infarcts that can be missed on other techniques.

Prevalencia de factores de riesgo cardiovascular en indígenas embera-chamí de Cristianía (Jardín), Antioquia

Estudiamos la prevalencia de los factores de riesgo cardiovascular en 488 individuos mayores de 14 años, en el resguardo indígena Karmata Rúa de Cristianía. se encontraron las siguientes frecuencias: hipertensión arterial (HTA) 18,1%; antecedente personal de diabetes mellitus 3,3%; glucemia mayor de 126 mg/dL 0,7%; hábito de fumar 15%; sobrepeso 40,2%; obesidad 8,0%; hipercolesterolemia 21,4%; hipertrigliceridemia 33,3% y dislipidemia 56,2%. El índice de masa corporal y los valores de colesterol total, glucemia, perímetro de la cintura, índice cintura/ cadera y presión arterial sistólica y diastólica presentaron correlación positiva y significativa con la edad. El grado de escolaridad mostró correlación negativa con el perímetro de la cintura, el índice cintura/cadera, la glucemia y la presión arterial. Al comparar con poblaciones indígenas y no indígenas de Colombia y de otros países, se encontró una prevalencia entre tres y cuatro veces menor de diabetes mellitus; en la población estudiada hay menos HTA aunque existe tendencia al sobrepeso. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en otros factores de riesgo; todos ellos fueron más frecuentes en mujeres, en personas de escolaridad baja y en individuos mayores. Los factores que contribuyen a estas diferencias son genéticos (homogeneidad étnica) y ambientales, como la mayor actividad física de los hombres, la dieta y la estructura demográfica.

Age, Period, and Cohort Effects on Mortality From Ischemic Heart Disease in Southern Spain

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Ischemic heart disease is the leading cause of death and one of the top 4 causes of burden of disease worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate age-period-cohort effects on mortality from ischemic heart disease in Andalusia (southern Spain) and in each of its 8 provinces during the period 1981-2008.

METHODS

A population-based ecological study was conducted. In all, 145 539 deaths from ischemic heart disease were analyzed for individuals aged between 30 and 84 years who died in Andalusia in the study period. A nonlinear regression model was estimated for each sex and geographical area using spline functions.

RESULTS

There was an upward trend in male and female mortality rate by age from the age of 30 years. The risk of death for men and women showed a downward trend for cohorts born after 1920, decreasing after 1960 with a steep slope among men. Analysis of the period effect showed that male and female death risk first remained steady from 1981 to 1990 and then increased between 1990 and 2000, only to decrease again until 2008.

CONCLUSIONS

There were similar age-period-cohort effects on mortality in all the provinces of Andalusia and for Andalusia as a whole. If the observed cohort and period effects persist, male and female mortality from ischemic heart disease will continue to decline.

[Patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage in poor grade neurological status: Study of prognostic factors]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and predict factors influencing prognosis and/or clinical outcome at 6 months in patients with spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) grades iv and v.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This was a retrospective study of a consecutive series of 394 patients admitted to our hospital with clinical and radiological diagnosis of spontaneous subarachnoid haemorrhage, from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 2009. We selected 121 patients who met the criteria of being in WFNS grades iv or v before treatment; 3 patients were excluded due to loss of tracking. The outcome variable was assessed 6 months after the event using the Glasgow Outcome Scale. A P value<.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-one patients were included in the statistical analysis. The average age of the patients in the series was 54 years (14-92). Patients who had a mean Glasgow Coma Scale lower than 7 points (P<.0001), those who were grade v (P<.0001) in the pre-treatment WFNS scale and those with pupillary disorder (P=.002) had a worse clinical outcome. Likewise, those with associated intraparenchymal hematoma (P=.020) and those not receiving any treatment (P=.020) were also associated with a poor clinical outcome. These results were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients admitted with a WFNS grade v and/or presenting pupil disorder and/or intraparenchymal hematoma were associated with worse clinical outcomes.

Relationships between obesity, glycemic control, and cardiovascular risk factors: a pooled analysis of cross-sectional data from Spanish patients with type 2 diabetes in the preinsulin stage

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D), but reports conflict regarding the association between obesity and macrovascular complications. In this study, we investigated associations between cardiovascular risk factors and body mass index (BMI) and glycemic control in non-insulin-treated patients with T2D.

METHODS

Authors gathered cross-sectional data from five observational studies performed in Spain. Generalized logit models were used to analyze the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors (independent variables) and 5 BMI strata (<25 kg/m2, 25 to <30 kg/m2, 30 to <35 kg/m2, 35 to <40 kg/m2, ≥40 kg/m2) and 5 glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) strata (≤6.5%, >6.5-7%, >7-8%, >8-9%, >9%) (dependent outcomes).

RESULTS

In total, data from 6442 patients were analyzed. Patients generally had mean values of investigated cardiovascular risk factors outside recommended thresholds. Younger patients had higher BMI, triglyceride levels and HbA1c than their older counterparts. Diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure and triglyceride levels were directly correlated with BMI strata, whereas an inverse correlation was observed between BMI strata and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, patient age, and duration of T2D. Increased duration of T2D and total cholesterol levels, and decreased HDL-C levels were associated with a higher HbA1c category. BMI and HbA1c levels were not associated with each other.

CONCLUSIONS

As insulin-naïve patients with T2D became more obese, cardiovascular risk factors became more pronounced. Higher BMI was associated with younger age and shorter duration of T2D, consistent with the notion that obesity at an early age may be key to the current T2D epidemic. Glycemic control was independent of BMI but associated with abnormal lipid levels. Further efforts should be done to improve modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.

[Control of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with diabetes with and without cardiovascular disease]

INTRODUCTION

There is evidence that cardiovascular goals are beneficial in diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the distribution of cardiovascular risk levels in patients with diabetes and the clinical interventions they have received.

DESIGN

Descriptive cross-sectional study.

SETTING

SERMAS (Madrid) 2010.

SUBJECTS

All patients with diabetes. (n=41,096).

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Patients in primary or secondary prevention, metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors control, pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. Patient and professional variables.

RESULTS

Around one-fifth (21.5%) (95%CI: 21.1% -21.9%) in secondary prevention (very high cardiovascular risk). HbA1c was under control in 31% (95%CI: 30.1%-32%), with 49.9% (95%CI: 48.8%-50.9%) with BP under control, and 39.4% (95% CI: 38.4%-40.4%) with LDL controlled. Only 8.9% (95%CI: 8.3%-9.5%) had a well-controlled HdA1c, BP and LDL, and in 19.8% (95%CI: 19%-20.6%) none of these were under control. Of those with an uncontrolled BP, 23.6% (95% CI: 23.2%-24%) had antihypertensive drugs. There was better control in patients older than 70 years, and those who lived in an urban center, or a lower number of patients per day.

CONCLUSION

In diabetic patients with very high cardiovascular risk (secondary prevention), just half of them had good control of cardiovascular risk factors (BP and LDL). An association was found between better control and older than 70, urban center or lower number of patients per day. This suggests developing strategies to promote a comprehensive control of cardiovascular risk factors in diabetic patients in secondary prevention.

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and other comorbidities in patients with psoriasis: baseline characteristics of patients in the AQUILES study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Patients with psoriasis often have comorbidities, including other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), and cardiovascular risk factors. In this article we describe the baseline prevalence of comorbidities-including other IMIDs-in a cohort of patients with psoriasis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

AQUILES was a prospective observational multicenter study of 3 patient cohorts (patients with psoriasis, spondyloarthritis, or inflammatory bowel disease) undertaken to investigate the prevalence of comorbidities, including other IMIDs, in these settings. The psoriasis cohort comprised patients aged at least 18 years who were seen in hospital dermatology clinics. A predefined protocol was used to collect demographic and clinical data.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 528 patients with psoriasis (60.2% men and 39.8% women). Mean age was 46.7 years; 89.8% of the participants had plaque psoriasis, and the median Psoriasis Area Severity Index score (PASI) was 3.2 (1.5-7.4). Comorbid IMIDs were present in 82 (15.5%) of the patients (CI 95%, 12.7%-18.9%). Spondyloarthritis was observed in 14% of patients (95% CI, 11.3%-17.2%), mostly in the form of psoriatic arthritis, for which the overall prevalence was 13.1% (95% CI, 10.5%-16.2%). Inflammatory bowel disease was present in 1.3% (95% CI, 0.6%-2.7%) and uveitis in .2% (95% CI, 0.1%-1.4%). Psoriatic arthritis was associated with male sex (odds ratio, 1.75 [.98-2.98]) and a disease duration of over 8 years (OR, 4.17 [1.84-9.44] vs a duration of < 4 years). In 73.1%, at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor was identified: smoking (40.5%), obesity (26.0%), dyslipidemia (24.8%), hypertension (24.3%), and diabetes mellitus (12.3%).

CONCLUSION

In patients with psoriasis the prevalence of other IMIDs was 15.5%, a level slightly higher than that found in the general population. Nearly three-quarters of these patients had at least 1 cardiovascular risk factor.

Use of drugs related to the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular risk factors in the Spanish population. The Di@bet.es study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

To assess the patterns of use of 8 therapeutic drug groups for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and other cardiovascular risk factors, and to identify sociodemographic and health determinants of their use in the overall Spanish population.

METHODS

A representative sample of the Spanish population within the Di@bet.es study, a cross-sectional population-based survey, was included.

STUDY VARIABLES

sociodemographic, clinical, and lifestyle data; physical examination, and an oral glucose tolerance test in patients without known diabetes mellitus. Furthermore, patients were systematically queried about current medication use, and 8 pharmacotherapeutic groups were evaluated: lipid-lowering therapy, antihypertensives, oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin, thyroid hormone, uricosurics, psychoactive drugs, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

RESULTS

Sixty-six percent of the Spanish population was taking at least one medication. Therapeutic drug use was associated with age, independently of the higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hyperlipidemia in older patients. Sex disparities were found in the use of lipid-lowering agents, allopurinol, levothyroxine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and psychoactive drugs. Use of psychoactive drugs was related to education level, work status, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Almost 30% of patients with diabetes mellitus were taking 6 or more medications daily. Diabetes mellitus was associated with greater use of antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Age and sex are the most important factors determining therapeutic drug use. Lifestyle patterns and sociocultural factors have an impact only on psychoactive drug use. Diabetes mellitus is associated with greater use of antihypertensives, lipid-lowering agents, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Metabolic and inflammatory profiles of biomarkers in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes in a Mediterranean population. DARIOS Inflammatory study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

There is a paucity of data regarding the differences in the biomarker profiles of patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus as compared to a healthy, normal weight population. We aimed to study the biomarker profile of the metabolic risk continuum defined by the transition from normal weight to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.

METHODS

We performed a pooled analysis of data from 7 cross-sectional Spanish population-based surveys. An extensive panel comprising 20 biomarkers related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipids, inflammation, coagulation, oxidation, hemodynamics, and myocardial damage was analyzed. We employed age- and sex-adjusted multinomial logistic regression models for the identification of those biomarkers associated with the metabolic risk continuum phenotypes: obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes mellitus.

RESULTS

A total of 2851 subjects were included for analyses. The mean age was 57.4 (8.8) years, 1269 were men (44.5%), and 464 participants were obese, 443 had metabolic syndrome, 473 had diabetes mellitus, and 1471 had a normal weight (healthy individuals). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, apolipoprotein B100, leptin, and insulin were positively associated with at least one of the phenotypes of interest. Apolipoprotein A1 and adiponectin were negatively associated.

CONCLUSIONS

There are differences between the population with normal weight and that having metabolic syndrome or diabetes with respect to certain biomarkers related to the metabolic, inflammatory, and lipid profiles. The results of this study support the relevance of these mechanisms in the metabolic risk continuum. When metabolic syndrome and diabetes mellitus are compared, these differences are less marked.

Derivation and validation of a set of 10-year cardiovascular risk predictive functions in Spain: the FRESCO Study

OBJECTIVE

To derive and validate a set of functions to predict coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, and validate the Framingham-REGICOR function.

METHOD

Pooled analysis of 11 population-based Spanish cohorts (1992-2005) with 50,408 eligible participants. Baseline smoking, diabetes, systolic blood pressure (SBP), lipid profile, and body mass index were recorded. A ten-year follow-up included re-examinations/telephone contact and cross-linkage with mortality registries. For each sex, two models were fitted for CHD, stroke, and both end-points combined: model A was adjusted for age, smoking, and body mass index and model B for age, smoking, diabetes, SBP, total and HDL cholesterol, and for hypertension treatment by SBP, and age by smoking and by SBP interactions.

RESULTS

The 9.3-year median follow-up accumulated 2973 cardiovascular events. The C-statistic improved from model A to model B for CHD (0.66 to 0.71 for men; 0.70 to 0.74 for women) and the combined CHD-stroke end-points (0.68 to 0.71; 0.72 to 0.75, respectively), but not for stroke alone. Framingham-REGICOR had similar C-statistics but overestimated CHD risk.

CONCLUSIONS

The new functions accurately estimate 10-year stroke and CHD risk in the adult population of a typical southern European country. The Framingham-REGICOR function provided similar CHD prediction but overestimated risk.

Validation of a population coronary disease predictive system: the CASSANDRA model

BACKGROUND

The use of validated multivariate cardiovascular predictive models in a population setting is of interest for public health policy makers. We aimed to validate the estimations of the CASSANDRA model (coronary heart disease (CHD) incidence and CHD risk distribution), considering the population changes in age, sex and CHD risk factors prevalence in a 10-year period.

METHODS

We compared the projected CHD incidence estimated with CASSANDRA with that observed in the Girona Heart Registry (REGICOR) for 1995-2004 and 2000-2009 in the population of Girona (Spain) aged 35-74 years. We used official age and sex distributions for this population. Baseline cardiovascular risk factors prevalence and the distribution of cardiovascular risk were obtained from three cross-sectional studies performed in 1995, 2000 and 2005. To validate the future distribution of cardiovascular risk, we tested the yearly CHD risk variance over the study period.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the estimated and observed annual CHD incidence per 100 000 men were found in 1995-2004 (CASSANDRA=457.8 and REGICOR=420.3, incidence rate ratio (IRR) (95% CI)=0.92 (0.89 to 0.96)) and in 2000-2009 (441.4 and 409.6, respectively, IRR=0.93 (0.90 to 0.96)). However, overpredictions of 18% and 22%, respectively, were observed in women (198.8 and 160.4, IRR=0.82 (0.77 to 0.86), and 197.1 and 152.8, IRR=0.78 (0.74 to 0.83), respectively). No significant differences were found in the CHD risk variance in the three different cross-sectional studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The CASSANDRA model produces valid estimates, particularly in men, of the future burden of disease and in the distribution of cardiovascular risk in individuals aged 35-74 years.

[Analysis of medications dispensed to control the main cardiovascular risks in the Murcia Region: are there gender differences?]

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the use of cardiovascular medicines and its distribution by age and sex.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Region of Murcia.

MAIN MEASUREMENTS

Daily doses of cardiovascular drugs prescribed and dispensed in all the pharmacies of the Region per 1,000 inhabitants-day (DHD). A comparison was made of consumption rates (DHD) by age and sex.

RESULTS

The probability of receiving antiplatelet drugs increases with age, with the proportion of men being higher. The use of beta-blockers and angiotensin II increases with age up to 79 years, with an increased consumption in men up to 65 years. The probability of receiving treatment with calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, or statins, linearly increases with age, and the proportion of men under treatment exceeds that of women in the early ages, tending to equalize beyond 80 years.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that the cardiovascular disease prevention focuses on people aged 40 to 74 years. Access by women to cardiovascular therapy occurs with a delay of 3-5 years, depending on the treatment subgroup. Changes should be promoted to encourage rational and equitable access and use of the drugs.

Prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in Andalusia (southern Spain). Comparison with national prevalence data. The Di@bet.es study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalences of obesity, diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors in the region of Andalusia with those in the rest of Spain.

METHODS

The Di@bet.es study is a national, cross-sectional, population-based survey of cardiometabolic risk factors and their association with lifestyle. The sample consisted of 5103 participants ≥ 18 years. The variables analyzed were clinical, demographic and lifestyle survey, physical examination, and oral glucose tolerance test. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in Andalusia (n=1517) was compared with that for the rest of Spain (n=3586).

RESULTS

In data adjusted to the Spanish population, the prevalence of diabetes (World Health Organization, 1999), hypertension (blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg), high-sensitivity CRP levels (≥ 3 mg/L) and obesity (body mass index ≥ 30 kg/m(2)) were 16.3%, 43.9%, 32.0%, and 37.0% in Andalusia compared with 12.5%, 39.9%, 28.3%, and 26.6% in the rest of Spain (P<.001 for differences except P=.01 for the difference in high-sensitivity CRP levels). The corresponding figures for the Andalusia data adjusted to the Andalusian population were 15.3%, 42.3%, 31.4%, and 34.0%, respectively. Differences in diabetes, hypertension and high-sensitivity CRP were not significant in models adjusted for age, sex, and adiposity measurements. Differences in obesity were not significant in models adjusted for age, sex, educational level, marital status, work status, and physical activity (P=.086) CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes information from a national study perspective and shows a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in southern Spain, in close relation to obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and markers of socioeconomic disadvantage.

Prevalence of premorbid metabolic syndrome in Spanish adult workers using IDF and ATPIII diagnostic criteria: relationship with cardiovascular risk factors

Background

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a complex disorder defined as a cluster of interconnected risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity and high blood glucose levels. Premorbid metabolic syndrome (PMetS) is defined by excluding patients with previously diagnosed cardiovascular disease or diabetes mellitus from those suffering MetS. We aimed to determine the prevalence of PMetS in a working population, and to analyse the relationship between the diagnostic criteria of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (ATPIII). The relationship between the presence of PMetS and cardiovascular risk factors was also analysed.

Research Methodology/Findings

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 24,529 male and 18,736 female Spanish (white western European) adult workers (20–65 years) randomly selected during their work health periodic examinations. Anthropometrics, blood pressure and serum parameters were measured. The presence of MetS and PMetS was ascertained using ATPIII and IDF criteria. Cardiovascular risk was determined using the Framingham-REGICOR equation. The results showed MetS had an adjusted global prevalence of 12.39% using ATPIII criteria and 16.46% using IDF criteria. The prevalence of PMetS was slightly lower (11.21% using ATPIII criteria and 14.72% using IDF criteria). Prevalence in males was always higher than in females. Participants with PMetS displayed higher values of BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose and triglycerides, and lower HDL-cholesterol levels. Logistic regression models reported lower PMetS risk for females, non-obese subjects, non-smokers and younger participants. Cardiovascular risk determined with Framingham-REGICOR was higher in participants with PMetS.

Conclusions

PMetS could be a reliable tool for the early identification of apparently healthy individuals who have a significant risk for developing cardiovascular events and type 2 diabetes.

Effect of cardiovascular prevention strategies on incident coronary disease hospitalisation rates in Spain; an ecological time series analysis

OBJECTIVE

To assess the overall population impact of primary prevention strategies (promotion of healthy lifestyles, prevention of smoking and use of vascular risk drug therapy) of coronary disease in Spain.

DESIGN

Ecological time series analysis, 1982-2009.

SETTING

All public and private hospitals in Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

General population.

OUTCOME

Incident coronary disease hospitalisation as derived from official hospital discharge data.

METHODS

Annual hospitalisation rates were modelled according to nationwide use of statins, antihypertensive, antidiabetic and antiplatelet drugs, and prevalences of smoking, obesity and overweight. Additive generalised models and mixed Poisson regression models were used for the purpose, taking year as the random-effect variable and adjusting for age, sex, prevalence of vascular risk factors and the number of hospital beds in intensive and coronary care units.

RESULTS

Across 28 years and 671.5 million person-years of observation, there were 2 986 834 hospitalisations due to coronary disease; of these, 1 441 980 (48.28%) were classified as incident. Hospitalisation rates increased from 1982 to 1996, with an inflection point in 1997 and a subsequent 52% decrease until 2009. Prevalences of smoking, obesity, overweight and use of vascular risk drug therapy were significantly associated with hospitalisation rates (p<0.001): incidence rates ratios (95% CI) for the fourth versus the first quartile were 1.46 (1.42 to 1.50), 1.80 (1.78 to 1.83), 1.58 (1.55 to 1.60) and 0.57 (0.51 to 0.63), respectively. These variables accounted for 92% of interannual variability.

CONCLUSIONS

After decades of continuous rises, hospitalisation due to incident ischaemic heart disease has been cut by half, an achievement associated with the decline in smoking and the increase in vascular risk drug therapy. These results indicate that these two primary prevention strategies have been effective at a population level, thanks to an appropriate balance between financial and health goals, something that should be left intact despite the current economic crisis. Future strategies ought to lay special stress on excessive body weight prevention.

[Intraluminal/endoscopic procedures in the treatment of obesity]

Few effective therapeutic tools are currently available to fight the increasing prevalence of obesity and its associated comorbidities. Bariatric surgery is the only treatment with proven long-term effectiveness, but is associated to a high surgical risk and significant economic costs because of its technical complexity and the characteristics of patients. This is leading to development of new endoscopic procedures with less clinical risks and economic costs, while maintaining the benefits in terms of morbidity and mortality, which could even serve as a bridging element before surgery in cases where this is unavoidable, allowing for preoperative weight loss and control of comorbidities in order to improve anesthetic risks and possible complications. The purpose of this review was to analyze the most relevant and promising endoscopic techniques currently available.