Cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in both women and men. The main risk factors for cardiovascular disease are smoking, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, physical inactivity and diabetes. In recent years, the incidence of myocardial infarction and stroke have decreased in Sweden, partly due to the introduction of several effective medicines. However, many people still suffer from premature death and reduced quality of life, and several studies have shown room for improvement in e.g., health promotion and disease prevention,  healthcare providers adherence to guidlines, and patients' adherence to drug treatment.

We have several studies underway on cardiovascular medicines:

  • In collaboration with primary care in Region Stockholm and Västra Götaland as well as Karolinska Institutet and the University of Gothenburg, the database SPCCD – Swedish Primary  Care  Cardiovascular  Database has been created. It includes extensive medical records data linked to national registers for research into hypertension. More about the database can be read here.
  • In collaboration with Region Stockholm, KI and Utrecht University, we conduct research on the prescribing, use and effects of new anticoagulants in atrial fibrillation. 
  • Studies on the use, benefit and risk of statins and other lipid-lowering drugs in different population groups.

Want to know more? Contact Björn Wettermark or Miriam Qvarnström

Last modified: 2021-12-06