Participants’ characteristics at baseline and CVD incidence, by sex and cohort, the EPIC-NL Study.

aNumbers are given as mean (sd) or as median (interquartile range);bLow educational level: lower vocational training or primary school;cCigarette, cigar or pipe;dSee method section for ICD codes;eComposite of fatal CVD, nonfatal myocardial infarction and nonfatal stroke.CVD = cardiovascular diseases, MI = myocardial infarction, AP = angina pectoris, TIA = transient ischemic attack, PAD = peripheral arterial disease, PE = pulmonary embolism.