Mortality attributable to cardiovascular risk factors in Spain

Abstract

Objective: To present the current burden of mortality attributable to some of the main cardiovascular risk factors in adults in Spain.

Methods: Mortality attributable to risk factors was calculated by combining their prevalence, the relative risks for death, and the number of deaths in Spain. Prevalence of hypertension (>/=140/90 mmHg), tobacco smoking, excess weight (body mass index >/=25 kg/m(2)), and self-reported diabetes were based on representative samples of the Spanish population in the 1990s. The relative risks came from valid international studies.

Results: About 14 000 total deaths (25% of all deaths) were attributable to hypertension in Spain's middle-aged population. A quarter of them were cardiovascular deaths. About 56 000 deaths were attributable to tobacco use in adults >/=35 y (16% of all deaths). Two-thirds of them were deaths for: lung cancer (26.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20.9%), coronary heart disease (12.8%), and stroke (9.2%). About 28 000 deaths (8.5% of all deaths) were attributable to excess weight in adults. Two-thirds of them were cardiovascular deaths. About 2800 cardiovascular deaths were attributable to diabetes in adults >/=35 y (6% of all cardiovascular deaths).

Conclusions: Mortality attributable to the risk factors studied is a major avoidable public health problem in Spain. The results presented are only illustrative but clearly show that there is considerable scope for prevention.