Secular and longitudinal trends in cardiovascular risk in a general population using a national risk model: The Tromsø Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (17) ◽  
pp. 1852-1861
Author(s):  
Amalie Nilsen ◽  
Tove A Hanssen ◽  
Knut T Lappegård ◽  
Anne E Eggen ◽  
Maja-Lisa Løchen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Birth Cohort ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Risk Model ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
The Impact

Background Primary prevention guidelines promote the use of risk assessment tools to estimate total cardiovascular risk. We aimed to study trends in cardiovascular risk and contribution of single risk factors, using the newly developed NORRISK 2 risk score, which estimates 10-year risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events. Design Prospective population-based study. Methods We included women and men aged 45–74 years attending the sixth and seventh survey of the Tromsø Study (Tromsø 6, 2007–2008, n = 7284 and Tromsø 7, 2015–2016, n = 14,858) to study secular trends in NORRISK 2 score. To study longitudinal trends, we followed participants born 1941–1962 attending both surveys ( n = 4534). We calculated NORRISK 2 score and used linear regression models to study the relative contribution (% R2) of each single risk factor to the total score. Results Mean NORRISK 2 score decreased and distribution in risk categories moved from higher to lower risk in both sexes and all age-groups between the first and second surveys ( p < 0.001). In birth cohorts, when age was set to baseline in NORRISK 2 calculations, risk score decreased during follow-up. Main contributors to NORRISK 2 were systolic blood pressure, smoking and total cholesterol, with some sex, age and birth cohort differences. Conclusion We found significant favourable secular and longitudinal trends in total cardiovascular risk and single risk factors during the last decade. Change in systolic blood pressure, smoking and cholesterol were the main contributors to risk score change; however, the impact of single risk factors on the total score differed by sex, age and birth cohort.

Abstract 1316: Preclinical Atherosclerosis in Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome: The Impact of Oxidative Properties of High Density Lipopoprotein

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marietta Charakida ◽  
Julian Halcox ◽  
Joanna Batuca ◽  
Ann Donald ◽  
Shirish Sangle ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Arterial Stiffness ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽  
High Density ◽  
Primary Antiphospholipid Syndrome ◽  
The Impact

Background: Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is characterised by increased thrombogenicity and/or pregnancy morbidity in the presence of raised levels of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). Increased oxidative properties of high density lipoprotein (HDL)(decreased activity of paraoxonase (PON)) is associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and has been described in APS. The impact of PON on atherosclerotic disease progression in APS is unclear. We therefore examined the effect of PON on intima media thickness (IMT), and pulse wave velocity (PWV) in patients with positive aPL. Methods: We studied 77 women with positive aPL (aPL) aged 46.6±1.2 yrs (mean±SE) and a control group of 77 women aged 47.5±1.2 yrs matched for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. High resolution ultrasound was used to determine carotid IMT. Arterial stiffness was assessed non-invasively by carotid-radial PWV. PON activity was assessed by measuring p-nitrophenol formation and activity expressed as nmoles p-nitrophenol/ml serum/minute. Results: APL patients had significantly increased IMT and PWV compared to controls (0.75±0.02mm vs 0.65±0.01mm, p<0.001 and 9.14±0.18 m/s vs 8.56±0.21m/s, p<0.05 respectively). PON activity was significantly reduced in aPL compared to controls (91.5[64.3, 05.1]mmol/ml/min, median[IQR] vs 103.1[80.4, 111.5] mmol/ml/min, p<0.006). Although PON activity was not associated with vascular measures in controls, an inverse association was noted in aPL patients (r=−0.26 [cIMT] and r=−0.23 [PWV], both p<0.05). In multivariate analysis, accounting for cardiovascular risk factors, PON activity (β=−0.42, p<0.001), age (β=0.33, p<0.001) and systolic blood pressure (β=0.24, p<0.05) were independent determinants of cIMT while PON activity (β=−0.32, p<0.01) and systolic blood pressure (β=0.28, p<0.05) remained the only independent predictors of PWV in aPL positive patients. Conclusions: APS is associated with increased arterial stiffness and carotid intimal thickening. Paraoxonase activity is inversely associated with IMT and PWV in ApL positve patients. These findings indicate that oxidative stress may play an important role in the development of atherosclerosis in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

scholarly journals Increased risk of Roma for 10-year development of CVDs based on Framingham Risk Score calculation

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
P Piko ◽  
S Fiatal ◽  
Z Kosa ◽  
J Sandor ◽  
R Adany
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
General Population ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Framingham Risk Score ◽  
Roma Population ◽  
Framingham Risk

Abstract Background Increased mortality and short life expectancy of Roma are well known epidemiological findings which can be partially explained by the high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among them. This study assesses the prevalence of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (age, sex, systolic blood pressure, smoking and diabetes status, elevated total and reduced high density lipoprotein cholesterol level (HDL-C)) and the estimation of 10-year risk of development of CVD (CVD in general, coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke) and that of death from CHD and CVD based on the Framingham Risk Score (FRS) in case of the Hungarian general (HG) and Roma (HR) populations. Methods A complex health survey incl. questionnaire based interview, physical examination and laboratory test was carried out in 2018 on the HG and HR populations. The prevalence of different cardiovascular risk factors was defined and FRS was computed and compared between the HG (n = 378) and HR (n = 386) populations. Results The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher among Roma females compared to females of general population (17.8% vs. 7.7%; p = 0.001) while the average systolic blood pressure level was less elevated among Roma males (127.9 mmHg vs. 129.4 mmHg; p = 0.020). The prevalence of smoking (males: 63.1% vs. 33.7%; females: 67.6% vs. 31%; p &lt; 0.001) and reduced HDL-C level (males: 40% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.014; females: 55.5% vs. 35.1%, p &lt; 0.001) were significantly higher in both sexes among Roma. The 10-year estimated risk for development of CHD, MI and CVD and the death from CHD was significantly (P &lt; 0.05) higher in both sexes among Roma compared to the general population while the average risk scores for stroke and death from CVD were significantly higher only among Roma men. Conclusions Our results show that both sexes in the Roma population have a significantly higher risk for 10-year development of CVD compared to the Hungarian general population. Key messages The Roma population have a significantly higher risk for 10-year development of cardiovascular diseases and death from them based on the Framingham Risk Score. The targeted cardiovascular interventions should be focus on reduce smoking and provide information on the recognition and treatment of diabetes and lipid disorders among Roma.

Long-term effects (>24 months) of multiple lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors among high risk subjects: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
H Bergum ◽  
I Sandven ◽  
TO Klemsdal
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Total Cholesterol ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Lifestyle Intervention ◽  
Small Study ◽  
Long Term Effects

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): The Norwegian health department Background The evidence of the long-term effects of multiple lifestyle intervention on cardiovascular risk is uncertain. We aimed to summarize the evidence from randomized clinical trials examining the efficacy of lifestyle intervention on major cardiovascular risk factors in subjects at high cardiovascular risk. Methods  Eligible trials investigated the impact of lifestyle intervention versus usual care with minimum 24 months follow-up, reporting more than one major cardiovascular risk factor. A literature search updated April 15, 2020 identified 12 eligible studies. The results from individual trials were combined using fixed and random effect models, using the standardized mean difference (SMD) to estimate effect sizes. Small-study effect was evaluated, and heterogeneity between studies examined by subgroup and meta-regression analyses considering patient- and study-level variables. Results  Small-study effect was not identified. Lifestyle intervention reduced systolic blood pressure modestly with an estimated SMD of -0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.21 to -0.04, with moderate heterogeneity (I² = 59%), corresponding to a mean difference of approximately 2 mmHg (MD = -1.86, 95% CI: -3.14 to -0.57, p = 0.0046). This effect disappeared in the subgroup of trials judged at low risk of bias (SMD = 0.02, 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.11). For the outcome total cholesterol SMD was -0.06, 95% CI: -0.13 to 0.00, with no heterogeneity (I² = 0%), indicating no effect of the intervention. Conclusion  Lifestyle intervention resulted in only a modest effect on systolic blood pressure and no effect on total cholesterol after 24 months. Further lifestyle trials should consider the challenge of maintaining larger long-term benefits to ensure impact on cardiovascular outcomes.

scholarly journals The CUORE project cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care: the ongoing experience in Italy

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Palmieri ◽  
S Vannucchi ◽  
C Lo Noce ◽  
A Di Lonardo ◽  
B Unim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment ◽  
Project Risk ◽  
Preventive Actions

Abstract Background Italian National Prevention Plan 2005-08 included 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment (10-CR) for the general population aged 35-69 years using the CUORE Project risk score. GPs were encouraged to perform 10-CR and send data to the Cardiovascular Risk Observatory (CRO). Aim To show updated data of the ongoing surveillance system of the 10-CR in the Italian adult population. Methods Data were collected using the cuore.exe software, freely downloadable by GPs from the CUORE Project website (www.cuore.iss.it). The CRO provides a web-platform to compare data on 10-CR and risk factors at regional/national level. For persons examined at least twice, variations in risk factors from baseline to follow-up and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) were calculated using methods for matched pair samples. Results Up to February 2019, about 3,500 GPs downloaded cuore.exe; about 300,000 CR assessments on about 140,000 persons were sent to CRO. Mean CR was 3.1% in women (W), 8.5% in men (M); 28% of M, 64% of W were at low risk (CR &lt; 3%); 9.9% of M, 0.4% of W were at high risk (CR ≥ 20%); 26% of M, 16% of W were current smokers; 13% of M, 10% of W were diabetic; 33% of hypertensive M, 35% of hypertensive W were under specific treatment. Among those with at least two risk assessments (31% of the sample), 11% shifted to a lower risk class after one year (14% of M, 7% of W). Systolic blood pressure mean levels decreased by 0.6 mmHg (95%-C.I. 0.3-0.8 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure by 0.5 mmHg (0.2-0.7 mmHg), total cholesterol by 4.1 mg/dl (3.0-5.2 mg/dl), smokers prevalence by 3.1% (2.3%-4.0%); HDL-cholesterol increased in W by 0.3 mg/dl (0.1-0.5 mg/dl). Conclusions Data demonstrate that 10-CR assessment can be an effective first step to implement preventive actions in primary care. Individual risk score is a useful tool for GPs to assess CR and promote primary prevention focusing on the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Data can be used to support health policy decision process. Key messages The cuore.exe software, freely downloadable from the CUORE Project website-www.cuore.iss.it, allows GPs to assess the CUORE Project risk score, to collect and to send data to the CVD Risk Observatory. 10 year Cardiovascular Risk assessment in the general adult population can be an effective first step to implement preventive actions in primary care.

Abstract 153: Novel Machine Learning Proves Stroke Risk is Not Linear

Stroke ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 51 (Suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Agni Orfanoudaki ◽  
Amre M Nouh ◽  
Emma Chesley ◽  
Christian Cadisch ◽  
Barry Stein ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Stroke Risk ◽  
Assessment Tools ◽  
Risk Calculator ◽  
Stroke Incidence ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
User Friendly ◽  
The Impact

Background: Current stroke risk assessment tools presume the impact of risk factors is linear and cumulative. However, both novel risk factors and their interplay influencing stroke incidence are difficult to reveal using traditional linear models. Objective: To improve upon the Revised-Framingham Stroke Risk Score and design an interactive non-linear Stroke Risk Score (NSRS). Our work aimed at increasing the accuracy of event prediction and uncovering new relationships in an interpretable user-friendly fashion. Methods: A two phase approach was used to develop our stroke risk score predictor. First, clinical examinations of the Framingham offspring cohort were utilized as the training dataset for the predictive model consisting of 14,196 samples where each clinical examination was considered an independent observation. Optimal Classification Trees (OCT) were used to train a model to predict 10-year stroke risk. Second, this model was validated with 17,527 observations from the Boston Medical Center. The NSRS was developed into an online user friendly application in the form of a questionnaire (http://www.mit.edu/~agniorf/files/questionnaire_Cohort2.html). Results: The algorithm suggests a key dichotomy between patients with or without history of cardiovascular disease. While the model agrees with known findings, it also identified 23 unique stroke risk profiles and introduced new non-linear relationships; such as the role of T-wave abnormality on electrocardiography and hematocrit levels in a patient’s risk profile. Our results in both the training and validation populations suggested that the non-linear approach significantly improves upon the existing revised Framingham stroke risk calculator in the c-statistic (training 87.43% (CI 0.85-0.90) vs. 73.74% (CI 0.70-0.76); validation 75.29% (CI 0.74-0.76) vs 65.93% (CI 0.64-0.67), even in multi-ethnicity populations. Conclusions: We constructed a highly predictive, interpretable and user-friendly stroke risk calculator using novel machine-learning uncovering new risk factors, interactions and unique profiles. The clinical implications include prioritization of risk factor modification and personalized care improving targeted intervention for stroke prevention.

Abstract P011: Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Longevity

Circulation ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 137 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C Odden ◽  
Andreea Rawlings ◽  
Alice Arnold ◽  
Mary Cushman ◽  
Mary Lou Biggs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Repeated Measures ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Low Cardiovascular Risk

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in old age, yet there is limited research on the patterns of cardiovascular risk factors that predict survival to 90 years. Hypothesis: The patterns of cardiovascular risk factors that portend longevity will differ from those that confer low cardiovascular risk. Methods: We examined repeated measures of blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, and BMI from age 67 and survival to 90 years in the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS). CHS is a prospective study of 5,888 black and white adults in two waves (1989-90 and 1992-93) from Medicare eligibility lists in four counties in the U.S. We restricted to participants aged 67 to 75 years at baseline to control for birth cohort effects and examined repeated measures of cardiovascular risk factors throughout the late-life course. We fit logistic regression models to predict survival to age 90 using generalized estimating equations, and modeled the risk factors as linear, a linear spline, and clinically relevant categories. Models were adjusted for demographics and medication use, and we also examined whether the association of each risk factor with longevity varied by the age of risk factor measurement. Best fit models are presented. Results: Among 3,645 participants in the birth cohort, 1,160 (31.8%) survived to 90 by June 16 th , 2015. Higher systolic blood pressure in early old age was associated with reduced odds for longevity, but there was an interaction with age such that the association crossed the null at 80 years. (Table) Among those with LDL-cholesterol <130 mg/dL, higher LDL-cholesterol was associated with greater longevity; at levels above 130 mg/dL there was no association between LDL-cholesterol and longevity. BMI had a u-shaped association with longevity. Conclusions: In summary, the patterns of risk factors that predict longevity differ from that considered to predict low cardiovascular risk. The risk of high systolic blood pressure appears to depend on the age of blood pressure measurement.

Cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to gestational diabetes mellitus in utero: systematic review and meta-analysis

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 599-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maleesa M. Pathirana ◽  
Zohra S. Lassi ◽  
Claire T. Roberts ◽  
Prabha H. Andraweera
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
In Utero

AbstractGestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication that affects one in seven pregnancies. Emerging evidence demonstrates that children born of pregnancies complicated by GDM may be at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine cardiovascular risk factors in offspring exposed to GDM in utero. PubMed, CINAHL, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases were searched. Information was extracted on established CVD risk factors including blood pressure, lipids, blood glucose, fasting insulin, body mass index (BMI), and endothelial/microvascular function. The review protocol is registered in PROSPERO (CRD42018094983). Prospective and retrospective studies comparing offspring exposed to GDM compared to controls (non-GDM pregnancies) were considered. We included studies that defined GDM based on the International Association of Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) definition, or prior definitions. The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this systematic review. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were done by two independent reviewers. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. Of 59 eligible studies, 24 were included in the meta-analysis. Offspring exposed to GDM had higher systolic blood pressure (mean difference (MD): 1.75 mmHg, 95% CI 0.57–2.94; eight studies, 7264 participants), BMI z-score (MD 0.11, 95% CI 0.02–0.20; nine studies, 8759 participants), and glucose (standard MD 0.43, 95% CI 0.08–0.77; 11 studies, 6423 participants) than control participants. In conclusion, offspring exposed to GDM have elevated systolic blood pressure, BMI, and glucose. Those exposed to GDM in utero may benefit from early childhood blood pressure measurements.

scholarly journals Age at period cessation and trajectories of cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life

Heart ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 106 (7) ◽  
pp. 499-505 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linda Marie O'Keeffe ◽  
Diana Kuh ◽  
Abigail Fraser ◽  
Laura D Howe ◽  
Debbie Lawlor ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Factors ◽  
Low Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Density Lipoprotein ◽  
Later Life ◽  
Glycated Haemoglobin ◽  
Lipoprotein Cholesterol ◽  
The Impact

ObjectiveTo examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of anthropometry, blood pressure, lipids and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from midlife to age 69 years.MethodsWe used data from the UK Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development to examine the association between age at period cessation and trajectories of systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) from 36 to 69 years and trajectories of triglyceride, low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and HbA1c from 53 to 69 years.ResultsWe found no evidence that age at period cessation was associated with trajectories of log triglyceride, LDL-C and HDL-C from 53 to 69 years and trajectories of SBP or DBP from 36 to 69 years, regardless of whether period cessation occurred naturally or due to hysterectomy. While we found some evidence of associations of age at period cessation with log BMI, log WC and log HbA1c, patterns were not consistent and differences were small at age 69 years, with confidence intervals that spanned the null value.ConclusionHow and when women experience period cessation is unlikely to adversely affect conventional cardiovascular risk factors across mid and later life. Women and clinicians concerned about the impact of type and timing of period cessation on conventional cardiovascular intermediates from midlife should be reassured that the impact over the long term is small.

Abstract 3448: Differences in the Associations between Various Ultrasound-Based Markers of Peripheral Atherosclerosis at Carotid and Femoral Levels and Risk factors in a general Middle-Aged Population

Circulation ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 116 (suppl_16) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick O Yerly ◽  
Nicolas Rodondi ◽  
Fred Paccaud ◽  
Pierre Vogt ◽  
Pascal Bovet
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Systolic Blood Pressure ◽  
Ldl Cholesterol ◽  
Hdl Cholesterol ◽  
Intima Media Thickness ◽  
Plaque Morphology ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Plaque Area

Introduction: Ultrasound detection of sub-clinical atherosclerosis (ATS) is a useful mean to identify subjects at high risk of cardiovascular (CV) events. Most studies have evaluated intima-media thickness (IMT) at the carotid artery level, but plaque-based markers (plaque thickness, plaque area) as well as the femoral artery level have been proposed as valid alternatives. The superiority of one method upon the others has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study is to compare the relationships between five indicators of ATS (IMT, mean / maximal plaque thickness, mean / maximal plaque area) at both carotid and femoral levels and conventional cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) in a population-based sample of middle-aged adults. Methods: High resolution B-mode ultrasound was performed in both right and left carotid and femoral arteries on 496 consecutive participants aged 45– 64 randomly selected from the general population. A plaque was defined as a focal IMT thickening ≥ 1.2 mm. CVRF included age, sex, current smoking, systolic blood pressure, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and diabetes. Results : All CVRF were associated, independently of age, with each of the ATS markers at femoral level but only LDL-cholesterol and systolic blood pressure were consistently associated with ATS markers at carotid level. The table shows the adjusted R-squared values in a multivariate model with all CVRF. Variance (adjusted R 2 ) in predicting any of the ATS markers was larger at femoral than carotid levels. At both carotid and femoral levels, the CVRF accounted for more variance in predicting plaque-based markers than IMT. Conclusion: The stronger association of CVRF with ATS markers at the femoral than carotid levels and with plaque-based markers than with IMT suggest that markers assessed at femoral level and based on plaque morphology might be the most useful tools for assessing cardiovascular risk. These findings need to be confirmed in prospective studies with CV events.

Abstract P394: The Ongoing Experience of Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Implementation in Primary Care of The Cuore Project

Circulation ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 125 (suppl_10) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Palmieri ◽  
Rita Rielli ◽  
Chiara Donfrancesco ◽  
Patrizia De Sanctis Caiola ◽  
Francesco Dima ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk ◽  
Risk Score ◽  
Lower Risk ◽  
Matched Pair ◽  
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment ◽  
Preventive Actions

Background: The Italian National Prevention Plan 2005–2008 included a 10-year cardiovascular risk assessment (10-CR) for the general population aged 35–69 years using the CUORE-Project risk score. GPs were encouraged to collect data on risk factors, perform a 10-CR and send these data to the Cardiovascular Risk Observatory (CRO). Aim: The aim of this study is to show updated data of the ongoing surveillance system of the 10-CR in the Italian adult population, a first step to implement primary preventive actions at individual level. Methods: A training plan for GPs was launched by the Ministry of Health. Data were collected using the cuore.exe software, easily and freely downloadable by GPs from the CUORE-Project website ( www.cuore.iss.it ). The CRO provides a web-platform to analyze and compare data on 10-CR and risk factors at both regional and national level. In the subgroup of persons examined at least twice a year, variations in continuous risk factors mean levels and categorical risk factors prevalences between baseline and follow-up and their 95% confidence intervals (C.I.) were calculated using methods for matched pair samples. Results: By October 2011, more than 3,000 GPs downloaded cuore.exe ; 146,322 CR assessments on 137,773 persons were sent to CRO. CR mean was 3.0% in women, 8.4% in men; 30% of men and 65% of women were at lower risk (CR<3%), 9.3% of men and 0.4% of women were at high risk (CR≥20%). Thirty-four percent of men and 19% of women were current smokers, 13% of men and 10% of women were diabetic, and 33% of hypertensive men and 35% of hypertensive women were under specific treatment. Among those with at least two risk assessments (n=8,495), 7% (95%–C.I. 6%–8%) shifted to a lower risk class after one year (9% of men and 5% of women respectively). Systolic blood pressure mean levels decreased by 1.3 mmHg (95%–C.I. 0.9–1.8 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure by 0.9 mmHg (95%–C.I. 0.5–1.3 mmHg), total cholesterol level by 5.7 mg/dl (95%–C.I. 4.4–6.9 mg/dl),6.6 mg/dl6 and smokers prevalence by 3.6% (95%–C.I. 2.6%–4.7%)6.6 mg/dl6; HDL-cholesterol increased in women by 0.8 mg/dl (95%–C.I. 0.4–1.2 mg/dl). Conclusions: Data demonstrate that 10-CR assessment can be an effective first step to implement preventive actions in primary care. The individual risk score is becoming a useful tool for GPs to assess their patients’ CR and promote primary prevention by focusing attention on the adoption of healthy lifestyles. These encouraging data can be used to support health policy decision processes.

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