Trends in cardiovascular disease in the region of Monastir (Tunisia) over 12 years

Abstract

Abstract Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, CVD prevalence trends is still weakly documented in Tunisia. The objective of this study is to examine trends in the prevalence of CVDs in the Monastir region between 2002 and 2013. Methods Data were collected from the regional register of hospital morbidity. The register refers to the WHO International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision (ICD-10). Data were verified and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22.0 software. Linear regression was used to calculate the slope 'b' of the least-squares line to estimate admission trends for each CVD category according to sex and age group. A p-value of 5% was considered statically significant. Results From 2002 to 2013, cardiovascular diseases accounted for 21,240 hospital admission in the region of Monastir, representing more than a quarter (28.7%; CI 95%: 28.1-29.3%) of all Non Communicable Disease admissions in adults. Males represented 55.9%. The median age at admission was 64 years (IQR 54-71 years). The CVD crude prevalence rate (CPR) was 3.60 /1,000 inh. The age-standardised CVD rate (ASR) was 4.56 per 1000 PY and it was higher in men than in women (5.41 vs. 3.72, respectively, p < 0.001). CVD prevalence rate increased over time (b = 17.78; p<.001). This increase was significant in men (b = 33.69; p < 0.001) and in age groups over 40-years-old (b = 15.30; p < 0.001). However, it declined significantly in women (b= -16.32; p < 0.001). Coronary heart diseases (CHD) were the most prevalent CVD categories (47.7%). Conclusions Hospital admissions for CVD increased over the study period, in particular in men and in age groups over 40-years-old. CHDs were the prevalent disease. A comprehensive prevention strategies focused on lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco consumption are greatly recommended to improve this prevalence trends. Key messages Over a 12-year period, CVD prevalence increased in men but not in women at the university hospital of Monastir. A comprehensive prevention strategies focused on lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity and tobacco consumption are greatly recommended to improve this prevalence trends.