Mortality attributable to cardiovascular risk factors in Spain

Objective: To present the current burden of mortality attributable to some of the main cardiovascular risk factors in adults in Spain. Methods: Mortality attributable to risk factors was calculated by combining their prevalence, the relative risks for death, and the number of deaths in Spain. Prevalence of hypertension (greater than or equal to 140/90 mmHg), tobacco smoking, excess weight (body mass index greater than or equal to 25 kg/m(2)), and self-reported diabetes were based on representative samples of the Spanish population in the 1990s. The relative risks came from valid international studies. Results: About 14000 total deaths (25% of all deaths) were attributable to hypertension in Spain's middle-aged population. A quarter of them were cardiovascular deaths. About 56 000 deaths were attributable to tobacco use in adults greater than or equal to 35 y (16% of all deaths). Two-thirds of them were deaths for: lung cancer (26.5%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20.9%), coronary heart disease (12.8%), and stroke (9.2%). About 28 000 deaths (8.5% of all deaths) were attributable to excess weight in adults. Two-thirds of them were cardiovascular deaths. About 2800 cardiovascular deaths were attributable to diabetes in adults greater than or equal to 35 y (6% of all cardiovascular deaths). Conclusions: Mortality attributable to the risk factors studied is a major avoidable public health problem in Spain. The results presented are only illustrative but clearly show that there is considerable scope for prevention.