Prevention of cardiovascular disease through “Cardio50” screening: one-year outcomes

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases include a series of pathologies affecting the heart and blood vessels, including myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke and arterial hypertension. They represent one of the main causes of death both globally and in Italy and can be prevented through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical exercise. The aim of the Cardio50 cardiovascular screening project is to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with cardiovascular events through the early identification of at-risk subjects. It also promotes targeted interventions, including lifestyle changes, in order to prevent the onset of these pathologies, which are provided by trained healthcare workers in the Prevention Department. In 2024, the Local Health Authority ULSS 1 Dolomiti, which provides health- and social care in the Belluno province, screened the 1974 birth cohort, including subjects of both sexes, that reside in the province. A total of 1,746 residents (949 women and 797 men) participated in the cardiovascular screening (64.8% of the eligible population). In total, 78.3% of the participants benefited from targeted interventions, which promoted reductions in the risk factors covered by the screening; they were also sent to a general practitioner for care or were directed to specific paths for changing or improving their individual lifestyles. Furthermore, the data collected were compared with those of the PASSI surveillance (Progress of Authorities for Healthcare in Italy), which, in most cases, showed consistency with the results obtained from our local investigation.