Abstract P359: Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Diseases in the Italian Adult Population: The National Health Examination Surveys 2008-2012
Background: From 2008 to 2012 an Health Examination Survey (HES)-Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare (OEC) has been implemented in Italy with the aim of assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, prevalence of risk conditions and CV diseases for the Italian adult population. Methods: Random samples of general population stratified by age and sex were examined in all Italian regions (participation rate 56%). Risk factor were collected using standardized procedures and methods; biochemical tests were assayed in a central laboratory; a questionnaire investigates behaviours and CVD history; a ECG read in Minnesota code was used to define previous myocardial infarction. Comparisons between men and women were assessed using t-test for means and chi-squared test for prevalence. Results: Data of 4371 men and 4339 women ages 35-79 years were analysed. Majority of risk factors mean levels resulted higher in men than in women: systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 134 mmHg and 129 mmHg (p<0.0001), diastolic (DBP) was 84 mmHg and 79 mmHg (p<0.0001), fasting plasma glucose was 103 mg/dl and 95 mg/dl (p<0.0001), triglycerides was 135 mg/dl and 108 mg/dl (p<0.0001), respectively; as well as many CV risk conditions: smoking habit was 21% in men and 18% in women (p<0.0001), diabetes was 14% in men and 9% in women (p<0.0001) (28% of diabetic unaware both in men and women), 56% of men and 43% of women have SBP>=140 mmHg or DBP>=90 mmHg or in treatment (p<0.0001), 65% of men and 70% of women have total cholesterol (TC) >=200 mg/dl or in treatment for (p<0.0001), 48% of men and 33% of women are in overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m 2 ) (p<0.0001). TC, LDL and HDL cholesterol resulted lower in men than in women: 209 mg/dl and 218 (44) (p<0.0001), 131 (38) mg/dl and 134 mg/dl (p<0.0001), 51 mg/dl and 62 mg/dl (p<0.0001), respectively. As well as prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time: 31% in men and 43% in women (p<0.0001). Prevalence of obesity (BMI>=30 kg/m 2 ) resulted similar in men and women: 25% and 27% respectively (p=0.0818). Prevalence of myocardial infarction was 2.1% in men and 0.7% in women (p<0.0001), prevalence of by-pass or angioplasty surgery was 5.1% and 1.0% (p<0.0001), prevalence of angina pectoris was 3.2% and in 4.8% (p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: At present obesity and smoking are still a priority in public health. In combination with other information sources, the OEC can contribute greatly to plan community actions and health services at national and regional level.