Trends in medication and risk factor management improved

Between 2002 and 2006 cardiovascular drug treatment improved and at the end of the inclusion period the percentage of patients treated for the major risk factors was 90% or higher. In that period the percentage of smokers decreased from 23 to 16%, elevated cholesterol levels from 54 to 27% and elevated blood pressure levels from 58 to 48%. Despite these improvements the prevalence of obesity (24%) and diabetes (22%) remained high.

Interpretation

Comparison with the results of the EUROASPIRE study showed that the older Dutch patients were adequately treated with drugs and that the risk factors reached lower levels than in the younger EUROASPIRE patients. However, there is room for improvement in diet and lifestyle given the high prevalence of smoking, obesity and diabetes.

Reference