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Cardiovascular risk and hypertension control in Italy. Data from the 2015 World Hypertension Day

Camilla Torlasco1, Andrea Faini1, Elhassan Makil1

  • 1Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, IRCCS Auxologico, San Luca Hospital, Milan, Italy.

International Journal of Cardiology
|June 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is high in Italy, driven by modifiable factors like hypertension. Better management, especially in younger individuals, is crucial for prevention and improved cardiovascular health outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of mortality and disability in Western countries.
  • Despite advancements in treatment, the prevalence of CVD continues to rise.
  • Assessing modifiable cardiovascular risk factors is key for effective CVD prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate cardiovascular risk and hypertension control within the Italian population.
  • To identify prevalent cardiovascular risk factors and their association with age groups.
  • To assess the effectiveness of current hypertension management strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 8657 participants across 62 sites in Italy during "World Hypertension Day" 2015.
  • Blood pressure was measured using validated devices, and demographic and risk factor data were collected via anonymous questionnaires.
  • The Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) system was adapted to assess cardiovascular risk.

Main Results:

  • Cardiovascular risk increased with age, with high/very high risk observed in 11.6% (40-49y), 16% (50-59y), and 37.4% (60-69y) of participants.
  • Smoking was a primary risk factor in younger adults (40-49y, 26% smokers), while hypertension predominated in the overall sample (36%) and older subjects (>50y, 42%).
  • Blood pressure control was inadequate in 36% of individuals, including those unaware of their condition (31%) or on treatment (48%).

Conclusions:

  • Cardiovascular risk is alarmingly high in the studied Italian population, irrespective of age.
  • Modifiable risk factors, particularly hypertension, significantly contribute to the elevated cardiovascular risk.
  • There is an urgent need for improved strategies to address hypertension, especially among younger individuals, to mitigate future cardiovascular events.
Abstract

Keywords:
Cardiovascular risk factorsHypertensionSCORE indexWorld hypertension day

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