Study of vascular risk in Navarre: objectives and design. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and of vascular risk factors

Abstract

Background. To determine in a representative sample of the population the prevalence of risk factors and metabolic syndrome; their association with sub-clinical atherosclerotic lesions and their impact on cardiocerebrovascular disease 10 years after. Material and Methods. (Phase 1) Cross sectional survey of a random sample stratified by age and sex of the population of Navarre aged between 35 and 84. Antecedents, risk factors, physical and analytical exploration. (Phase II) Ten year follow-up cohort study, in 500 exposed to MS and 500 not exposed persons, aged between 45 and 74 years; with an 82.25% power to detect a risk ratio of 2; with analytical and image markers of sub-clinical atherosclerosis. (Phase III) Follow up of vascular events at ten years. Results. The subjects recruited were 6,553; excluded or not found 871; the final sample was 5,682 (2,644 men and 3,038 women); 4,168 (73,4%) took part in the study. The prevalence of MS was 22.1% (95%CI 20.5 - 23.7) for men and 17,2% (95%CI 15.8 - 18.5) for women. The main cardiovascular RF were high compared to other geographical areas except for HDL cholesterol. The rate was 8.5% (95%CI 7.4 - 9.6) for men and 1.7% (95%CI 1.3 - 2.2) Conclusions. There are important differences in risk between sex, being worst for men. The high figures for HDL cholesterol and the low prevalence of MS might mean a lower risk of vascular events in Navarra.