Cardiovascular risk management of patients with depression in Dutch general practices

Context: Depression is a common disease in general practice, leading to an increased cardiovascular risk. The majority of patients with depression is treated by their General Practicioner (GP). In the Netherlands GPs are also responsible for cardiovascular risk management (CVRM), for which a guideline is made. This guideline does mention the elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, but does not consider this a risk factor. Knowing the current CVRM practice of Dutch GPs is needed before any recommendations regarding depressed patients can be made.

Objective: To investigate whether the cardiovascular risk management of Dutch GPs differs in patients with and without depression.

Study design and analysis: A retrospective matched cohort study using data from more than 70 Dutch general practices collected from 2015 until 2023. Patients with a registered depression were compared to two controls. For analysis a logistic regression and a time varying covariates cox model were performed.

Setting or Dataset: The Academic GP Developing Network Database (AHON), containing data from the electronic patient file of more than 460,000 patients was used for analysis. This database contains data on, amongst other data, medication use, diagnosis, measurements taken and GP practice visits; data on the GP practice, such as size and location and data on insurance claims.

Population Studied: Patients age 18 or older in Dutch general practice with a registered depression and two controls matched on age, gender and general practice without a depression. Subpopulations are made of patients with and without any history of cardiovascular diseases.

Intervention/instrument: not applicable.

Outcome Measures: Registration of cardiovascular risk management.

Results: The analysis is ongoing. We will present the results at the NAPCRG conference.

Conclusion: No conclusion can be made yet.