Monitoring cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors in the adult population to better orient prevention strategies in Italy.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the first cause of death in Europe and over the world. This study analyses health-related behaviours in adults referring doctor-diagnosed CVDs. We used data from the Italian cross-sectional Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System PASSI gathered in 2015-2018. Complex survey design analyses included the Taylor series method for variance estimation and Poisson regression for associations between socio-demographic characteristics and CVD. Among 132,598 respondents, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed CVD was 5%. Higher percentages are observed among: men, older individuals, socioeconomically disadvantaged people. Compared to the general population, people with CVD have greater risk and aggravating factors, and a worse health status overall. All protective behaviors and lifestyles shall be improved. In Italy, adults with CVD are more likely to be exposed to aggravating modifiable risk factors: it represents a valuable information for increased preventive interventions, even more in the light of the COVID-19 pandemic scenario.