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

ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate how longitudinal trends in cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in Catalonia, Spain from 2009 to 2018 may differ by age, sex and socioeconomic deprivation.DesignCohort study using prospectively collected data.SettingElectronic health records from primary healthcare centres in Catalonia, Spain.Participants3 247 244 adults (>= 40 years).Outcome measuresWe calculated the annual incidence (per 1000 persons-year) and incidence rate ratios (IRR) between three time periods of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus to measure trends and changes in incidence during the study period.ResultsIn 2016-2018 compared with 2009-2012, cardiovascular disease incidence increased in the 40-54 (eg, IRR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.52 to 1.69 in women) and 55-69 age groups. There was no change in cardiovascular disease incidence in women aged 70+ years, and a slight decrease in men aged 70+ years (0.93, 0.90 to 0.95). Hypertension incidence decreased in all age groups for both sexes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence decreased in all age groups for both sexes (eg, 0.72, 0.70 to 0.73 in women aged 55-69 years), except for the 40-54 year age group (eg, 1.09, 1.06 to 1.13 in women). Higher incidence levels were found in the most deprived areas, especially in the 40-54 and 55-69 groups.ConclusionsOverall cardiovascular disease incidence has increased while hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence have decreased in the last years in Catalonia, Spain, with differences in trends by age group and socioeconomic deprivation.

Automated summary

This study aimed to estimate the longitudinal trends in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence in Catalonia, Spain from 2009 to 2018, with a focus on age, sex, and socioeconomic deprivation. The results showed an increase in cardiovascular disease incidence in women aged 40-54 and 55-69, while there was no change or a slight decrease in women and men aged 70+. Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus incidence decreased in all age groups and sexes, and higher incidence levels were found in the most deprived areas, especially in the 40-54 and 55-69 age groups.