[Prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in the Balearic Islands (CORSAIB Study)]

Indices of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in the Balearic Islands in Spain are poor. We decided to investigate the prevalence of the main cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and of different cardiovascular diseases in inhabitants of these islands aged 35-74 years. SUBJETS AND METHOD: A population-based descriptive cross-sectional study was used. The Balearic Islands were divided into 14 sectors, each with three or four participating general practitioners (GPs). A random selection of 40 patients registered with each GP was made. Patients were contacted in the surgery or by mail or telephone. Each GP administered a questionnaire on the patients' family and personal history of cardiovascular disease and CRFs such as levels of smoking and physical activity, carried out anthropometric and blood pressure measurements, and requested blood glucose, cholesterol, and cholesterol fraction measurements.

The study included 1685 individuals. Some 27% smoked (men 36.9%, women 18.7%), 47.8% had high blood pressure (men 52.3%, women 43.4%), 24.2% had hypercholesterolemia (men 24.4%, women 24.1%), 11.7% had diabetes mellitus (men 15.3%, women 8.4%), 27% were obese (men 24.8%, women 29%), 40.1% were overweight (men 48.3%, women 33.4%), and 43.1% of men and 45.6% of women were sedentary. Two or more CRFs were observed in 58.4%, and 9.8% had a diagnosed cardiovascular disease. The Framingham method gave a higher estimate of cardiovascular risk in all age groups than the REGICOR method.

The prevalence of the main CRFs in the Balearic Islands is high, implying a high risk profile. Dietary and lifestyle interventions, and preventive measures are recommended.