Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Cardiovascular Risk in a Large Cohort of Spanish Workers

Joan Obrador de Hevia, Ángel Arturo López-González, José Ignacio Ramírez-Manent, Carla Busquets-Cortés, Pedro Juan Tárraga López, Miguel García Samuelsson, and Pere Riutord-Sbert

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular disease is the leading global cause of death, with lifestyle and sociodemographic factors playing key roles in cardiovascular risk (CVR).

Objective: This two-phase study assessed the associations of alcohol intake, Mediterranean diet adherence, physical activity, and sociodemographic variables with CVR—as measured by the Registre Gironí del Cor (REGICOR) function and Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2) algorithm—in a large cohort of Spanish workers (Phase 1). A secondary aim was to examine CVR trends from 2010 to 2020 (Phase 2).

Methods: A two-phase study was conducted: a cross-sectional analysis of 139,634 workers (Phase 1) and a longitudinal follow-up of 40,431 participants (Phase 2). Anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and behavioral data were collected using standardized procedures. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate associations.

Results: Phase 1 results showed a higher CVR associated with male sex, older age, lower education, manual labor, smoking, physical inactivity, low adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and alcohol consumption. In Phase 2, CVR increased over the decade, especially among smokers, sedentary individuals, and those with lower education.

Conclusions: Both modifiable behaviors and structural determinants significantly influence CVR. Preventive strategies should integrate lifestyle promotion with measures to reduce social inequalities, with targeted actions for vulnerable groups.

Rambam Maimonides Med J 2025;16(4):e0020