Key result
In a representative German primary care sample, the prevalence of hypertension was 35.5%, hyperlipidaemia 29.1%, diabetes 14.1%, and CHD 12.1%, with 78% of patients having multiple risk factors.
Cross-Sectional (n=55,518)
Yes
The DETECT study highlights a high burden of cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities in German primary care, with 78% of patients presenting with multiple risk factors.
Supports integrated CV risk management in primary care; extends prevalence data but leaves open outcome associations.
OBJECTIVES: DETECT is an epidemiological study in primary care to examine (a) the prevalence rates and comorbidity of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia and coronary heart disease (CHD), and associated conditions; (b) the frequency of behavioural and clinical risk factors for onset and progression; (c) the 12-month course and outcome; and (d) the met and unmet needs for these patients. METHODS: Three-stage, cross-sectional clinical-epidemiological study with a prospective-longitudinal component in a nationally representative sample of N = 3795 primary care settings [response rate (RR): 60.2%] and N = 55518 patients (RR: 95.5%). Patients completed a standardized assessment, including questionnaires for patients and the physician and diagnostic screening measures (i.e. blood pressure, heart rate, body mass index and waist circumference assessments). A subsample of patients (N = 7519) also completed a standardized laboratory screening program and was followed-up after 12 months. Data were weighted to adjust for non-response, regional distribution and attrition. RESULTS: (1) Doctors and patients sample can be regarded as representative for primary care settings in Germany. (2) The clinician-rated point prevalence of hypertension is highest (35.5%), followed by hyperlipidaemia (29.1%), diabetes (14.1%) and CHD (12.1%); prevalence rates of each disorder as well as their co-incidence rates increase markedly with age. (3) The vast majority (78%) of all patients revealed multiple (3+) behavioural and clinical risk factors. CONCLUSION: The findings of DETECT underline the considerable burden for primary care doctors in managing a highly morbid patient population, with predominantly complex risk factor constellations, in routine care. Our data provide, in unprecedented detail, a basis for calculating age-, gender- and risk-group-adjusted risk-factor profiles in routine care.
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Wïttchen et al. (2005) conducted a cross-sectional in Cardiovascular risk factors (n=55,518). Cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated on Prevalence of hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, and CHD. In a representative German primary care sample, the prevalence of hypertension was 35.5%, hyperlipidaemia 29.1%, diabetes 14.1%, and CHD 12.1%, with 78% of patients having multiple risk factors.
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