[Rationale and methods of the study on nutrition and cardiovascular risk in Spain (ENRICA)]

The ENRICA study aims to assess the frequency and distribution of the main components of the natural history of cardiovascular disease in Spain, including food consumption and other behavioral risk factors, biological risk factors, early damage of target organs, and diagnosed morbidity.

A cross-sectional survey of 11,991 individuals representative of the non-institutionalized population aged 18 years and older in Spain was conducted from June 2008 to October 2010. Data collection comprised 3 sequential stages: a) computer-assisted telephone interview to obtain information on lifestyle, knowledge and attitudes about cardiovascular disease risk factors, and the signs and symptoms of heart attack and stroke, subjective health, and morbidity; b) first home visit, to collect blood and urine samples for analysis by a central laboratory, and c) second home visit, to measure anthropometric variables and blood pressure and to administer a computer-assisted dietary history; data on functional limitations are also collected from participants aged 65 years and older.

The ENRICA study has shown the feasibility of a large home-based health interview and examination survey in Spain. It will provide valuable information to support and evaluate national strategies against cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases in Spain. Moreover, a 3-year prospective follow-up of the study participants, including a new physical exam, is planned to start in the second semester of 2011 and will update lifestyle information and biological variables. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01133093).