[Cardiovascular risk factors in a population of Southern Lombardy]

The aim of this study was to collect data on the incidence of risk factors in the population of the province of Cremona. The study is based on findings gathered in the course of meetings with the local populace termed "Giornate del Cuore" ("Heart Days") promoted by a voluntary association to sensitize the population concerning prevention and the ways one can achieve a more appropriate lifestyle.

Six risk factors for cardiovascular disease were investigated: hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes, overweight, smoking, and hereditary predisposition.

A total of 3,618 subjects, 1,783 males (49.3%) and 1,835 females (50.7%), participated in the study. The number of subjects resulting with hypercholesterolemia was: 1249 M and 1426 F; with hypertension: 788 M, 783 F; with diabetes: 105 M, 100 F; overweight: 941 M, 892 F; smoking: 389 M, 253 F; with hereditary predisposition: 593 M, 735 F; 81 males and 94 females did not show any risk factor (slightly less than 5%). The scarce presence of younger and middle age-groups confirms the low sensitivity of individuals at such ages to occasions for information and education on health issues. In general it emerged that, regarding the values of cholesterolemia, almost all subjects without health problems had never been interested to know the value of their own cholesterol; concerning hypertension, on the other hand, a more widely diffused awareness of one's own health status was found.

Findings confirm how necessary it continues to be to inform and educate to a health-oriented lifestyle. Prevention thus constitutes a commitment of the greatest importance at both the individual and social level.