Epidemiology of cardiovascular risk factors: Non-behavioural risk factors

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and the second leading cause in France. Among the modifiable cardiovascular risk factors, metabolic diseases (hypertension, low-density lipoprotein hypercholesterolaemia, diabetes and obesity) play a major role, contributing to the development and progression of atherosclerosis. This review summarizes the latest epidemiological data available at a national level. In 2015, the prevalence among adults aged 18-74years was 17.2% for obesity, 7.4% for diabetes, 30.6% for hypertension, 23.3% for low-density lipoprotein hypercholesterolaemia and 1.5% for stage 3-5 chronic kidney disease. Awareness of these diseases among affected individuals was very poor, ranging from 23% for diabetes to 45% for hypertension. While the prevalence of obesity and hypertension remained stable between 2006 and 2015, the prevalence of diabetes increased significantly. Prevention of these risk factors, particularly through nutrition, as well as awareness and management of them, must be intensified to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases in France. Whereas the prevalence of metabolic factors remains higher in men, particular attention should also be paid to risk factors specific to women, such as gynaecological diseases (endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome) and pregnancy disorders (hypertensive disorders in pregnancy, gestational diabetes), which contribute significantly to cardiovascular risk.

Keywords: Diabetes; Epidemiology; Hypertension; Low-density lipoprotein hypercholesterolaemia; Risk factors.