Prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of cardiovascular risk factors in the Extremadura population (Spain). HERMEX study

To estimate the prevalence, detection, treatment and degree of control of cardiovascular risk factors in Extremadura. Cross-sectional study. Population study in Don Benito-Villanueva de la Serena health area (Badajoz). A random sample of the people between 25 and 79 years, who lived in this area, was selected. History of cardiovascular risk factors and its treatment were obtained by questionnaire. Blood pressure and blood sample were obtained for all participants. We calculated the prevalence of each variable standardized for age and gender for the population of Extremadura. Of the 3521 eligible, 2833 (80.5%) participants were included, mean age 51.2 years, male 46.5%. Adjusted prevalence of current smoking in men: 40.5% (37.8-43.2), hypertension 39.5% (37.3-41.7), hypercholesterolemia, 37.9% (35.4-40.4), obesity 36.5% (33.9-39.1), diabetes 13.7% (12.1-15.4). Adjusted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in women: 35,0% (32.9-37.2), hypertension 33,0% (31.3-34.7), obesity 30.7% (28.6-32.8), current smoking 26,6% (24.5-28.7), diabetes 12,0% (10.5-13.5). The detection level of each factor was above 70%, and the degree of control among those treated of 51, 62.3 and 74.7% for hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia, respectively. Extremadura's population is highly exposed to major cardiovascular risk factors, especially men. Smoking, obesity and diabetes stand in the national context as the most prevalent in our community.