[Impact of cardiovascular risk factors in the Extremadura population: HERMEX cohort contributions for a preventive strategy].

Objective: To determine the population attributable fraction (PAF) of the major risk factors (RF) for the occurrence of cardiovascular disease in an Extremadura population cohort and therefore recommend priority preventive measures in health.

Methods: Design, Cohort study.

Location: Representative population sample of a health area of Extremadura (Spain) PARTICIPANTS: 2833 individuals, from 25 to 79 years old, randomly selected and recruited between 2007 and 2009. Antecedents and clinical parameters were recorded, a follow up until December 31, 2015 were done.

Measurements: Explanatory variables: Age, sex, obesity, current smoking, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypercholesterolemia.

Outcome Variable: First event of the combined variable of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, peripheral arterial disease and cardiovascular death. Fully adjusted hazard ratios (HR) were calculated by Cox regression. The PAFs were calculated using Levin's formula.

Results: 2669 subjects were included, 103 had history of cardiovascular disease and 61 were lost. The follow-up was 6.9 years (IR 6.5-7.5). 134 events were recorded. Incidence rate 7.42/1,000 people-year. Adjusted HR (95% CI) were: hypertension 2.26 (1.40-3.67), hypercholesterolemia 2.23 (1.56-3.18), DM 1.79 (1.24-2.58) and current smoking 1.72 (1.11-2.69). The PAF (95% CI) were: hypertension: 31.1 (12.4-48.8), hypercholesterolemia 27.0% (14.8-40.6), smoking 18.8% (3.3-35.0) and DM 7.9% (2.6-15.2).

Conclusions: Hypertension confers the greatest burden of cardiovascular disease in the population of Extremadura, followed by hypercholesterolemia and smoking. These RF are priority objectives for a population-based preventive strategy.