Time trends in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes by sex and socioeconomic status in Catalonia, Spain: a population-based cohort study

A new study by scientists from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), in collaboration with researchers from the University Institute for Primary Health Care Research Jordi Gol i Gurina (IDIAPJGol), Spain, has found that the incidence rate of cardiovascular disease has increased while the incidence rates of hypertension and type 2 diabetes have decreased in the past years in Catalonia, Spain, with differences in trends by age group and socioeconomic status.

The study used real-world data from electronic health records from primary health-care centres in Catalonia, Spain, that included 3 247 244 adults aged 40 years and older. The researchers calculated the annual incidence (per 1000 person-years) and incidence rate ratios between three time periods for cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes, to measure trends and changes in incidence during the study period.

Between 2009–2012 and 2016–2018, the incidence of cardiovascular disease increased in the age groups 40–54 years (e.g. incidence rate ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–1.69 in women) and 55–69 years. In the age group 70 years and older, there was no change in the incidence of cardiovascular disease in women and a slight decrease in men (incidence rate ratio, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–0.95). The incidence of hypertension decreased in all age groups for both sexes. The incidence of type 2 diabetes decreased in all age groups for both sexes. Higher incidence rates were observed in the most deprived areas, especially in the age groups 40–54 years and 55–69 years.

These findings are also relevant for establishing the likely future burden of cancer, given that these cardiometabolic diseases may contribute to the incidence of cancer.

Bennett M, Pistillo A, Recalde M, Reyes C, Freisling H, Duarte-Salles T.
Time trends in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes by sex and socioeconomic status in Catalonia, Spain: a population-based cohort study
BMJ Open, Published online 24 May 2023;
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066404

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