Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the trends of cardiovascular risk factor prevalence between 1988/9 and 2008/9 in the 25–74-year-old population in an area of Southern Italy. We compared three cross-sectional studies conducted in random population samples, in 1988/9, 1998/9, and 2008/9 in Salerno, Italy. The methodology of data collection (lipid profile, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, glycaemia, and smoking) and conducting tests which the population underwent during the three phases was standardized and comparable. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and smoking was calculated and standardized for age. A total of 3491 subjects were included. From 1988/9 to 2008/9, in males, the prevalence of all four risk factors was reduced. In women, there was a clear reduction of hypertension, a similar prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, and an increase of smoking and diabetes. In the area of Salerno, our data confirm that the global prevalence of the major risk factors is decreasing in men, but their absolute values are still far from optimization. In women, diabetes and smoking showed a negative trend, therefore requiring targeted interventions. These data are now used as a base for executive targeted programs to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease in our community.
Highlights
In both males and females, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity have been progressively decreasing since the 1970s, in Italy as well as in other western countries [1, 2]
Afterwards, data were provided by the MONICA Project [7], covering two geographical areas, and, more recently, from the Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare (OEC) [8]
Studying cardiovascular risk factors prospectively implies the use of common methodologies and standardized measurements, so that data may be comparable at different times
Summary
In both males and females, cardiovascular mortality and morbidity have been progressively decreasing since the 1970s, in Italy as well as in other western countries [1, 2]. Such reduction is the result of several factors and actions but is especially due to a better control of risk factors [3]. Studies of smaller areas provided patchy data, but prospective local studies still are essential to plan targeted interventions for primary prevention. Studying cardiovascular risk factors prospectively implies the use of common methodologies and standardized measurements, so that data may be comparable at different times
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