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The Burden of Modifiable Cardiovascular Risk Factors in a Population of Central Italy: A Pilot Study
Emma Altobelli1, Francesca Marzi1, Paolo Matteo Angeletti1
1Department of Life, Public Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
Insights
This pilot study screened 45-59 year olds for cardiovascular disease risk factors. While blood pressure and lipids were favorable, high smoking rates and sedentary lifestyles were identified, highlighting areas for public health intervention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) emerged as a major health concern by the mid-20th century.
- Identifying modifiable risk factors (RFs) is crucial for CVD prevention.
- Pilot studies are essential for assessing screening strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot a screening program for citizens aged 45-59.
- To identify modifiable cardiovascular disease risk factors within this demographic.
- To evaluate the utility and perception of a population-based screening program.
Main Methods:
- A pilot screening study was conducted in central Italy from February 2019 to February 2020.
- Participants aged 45-59 were evaluated for lipid profile, glycemia, anthropometric parameters, and lifestyle.
- The perceived utility and organization of the screening process were assessed.
Main Results:
- Compared to national data, participants exhibited better blood pressure and lipid profiles.
- Significant risk factors identified include a high smoking prevalence (57%), sedentary lifestyle (24.5%), and elevated waist circumference.
- The screening organization was rated positively by a majority of participants.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a health snapshot of citizens aged 45-59 in the pre-pandemic era.
- Identified risk factors like smoking and sedentary behavior require targeted public health interventions.
- Cardiovascular screening is perceived as important by the population, supporting future public health initiatives.
Background:
By the mid-20th century, cardiovascular disease (CVD) had become an important cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries. The aim was to set up a pilot study to screen citizens aged 45-59 in order to identify modifiable risk factors (RFs).
Methods:
Our study was conducted from February 2019 to February 2020 on citizens of a population of central Italy, aged 45-59, contacted by letter. The variables evaluated were lipid profile, glycemia, anthropometric parameters, lifestyle and utility of screening.
Results:
It is important to underline that from the comparison with Italian national data, our results showed that blood pressure and lipid profile had better values. On the contrary, there were some alarm bells: a high percentage (57%) of smokers (63.9 in men and 37.1 in women), a sedentary lifestyle (24.5%), and a significantly higher waist circumference than the reference cut-offs for both men and women. The organization of the screening was considered excellent by 56.3% of women and 48.4% of men, and good by 37.5% of women and 46.5% of men.
Conclusions:
Our study provides a picture to stakeholders of the state of the health of citizens in the area under study, in the immediate pre-pandemic period; however, it is important to underline that their state of health may be modified after the pandemic period. Furthermore, cardiovascular (CV) screening was perceived by the citizens to be important for health care.
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