Advancing cardiovascular prevention: regional results from the Italian Health Examination Survey – CUORE Project
Within JACARDI’s framework, the Italian Health Examination Survey (ITA-HES) – CUORE Project has delivered new regional results on major risk factors for non-communicable diseases. Implemented under Work Package 8, the pilot is being carried out in seven Italian regions and is coordinated by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità.
The initiative responds to the World Health Organization recommendation that Member States conduct health examination surveys every five years to monitor progress in prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases.
From data collection to regional action
Screening activities have been completed in four regions – Emilia-Romagna, Piedmont, Liguria and Lazio – and a dedicated report (for 2025) has been distributed to regional stakeholders in each territory.
The survey is based on direct health examinations of random samples of the adult population. It has a dual purpose:
- to strengthen surveillance of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors through objective measurements;
- to provide population screening for early detection of risk conditions and promote health awareness at individual level.
Regional reports present key indicators recommended for monitoring non-communicable diseases, including:
- Blood pressure: levels, hypertension, awareness and treatment
- Lipid profile: total cholesterol, HDL, triglycerides, hypercholesterolemia, awareness and treatment
- Glycaemic status: blood glucose, diabetes prevalence, awareness and treatment
- Body mass index, obesity, overweight, normal weight, waist and hip circumference
- Nutrition habits based on 24-hour urine collection salt and potassium intake
- Physical activity: inactivity prevalence and daily steps
- Smoking habits: prevalence and cigarette consumption
- Overall absolute cardiovascular risk
Strengthening prevention and equity through evidence
Beyond estimating health indicators, the pilot assessed the impact of screening at individual level, including awareness of risk conditions and opportunities for health promotion. By combining surveillance and prevention, the ITA-HES – CUORE Project supports JACARDI’s objectives to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, promote early detection, and improve equity in access to preventive services.
The experience from these four regions demonstrates the feasibility and added value of systematic health examination surveys at regional level. The next steps include completion of activities in the remaining regions and continued collaboration with regional stakeholders to translate findings into targeted prevention policies and actions.
What the results reveal
The analysis of the data collected in the four regions highlights a substantial burden of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in the adult population, together with important gaps in awareness and treatment. Across regions, elevated blood pressure, high total cholesterol and altered glycaemic status were frequently identified through direct measurements, and a proportion of individuals with these conditions were not aware of their risk status or were not receiving treatment.
In the Piedmont region, 40% of men and 24% of women with hypertension (systolic blood pressure >=140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure >=90 mmHg and/or under specific treatment) were unaware of possible blood pressure problems, and 10% of men and 8% of women who were aware were not receiving treatment.
The results also show relevant levels of overweight and obesity based on body mass index and waist circumference, as well as non-optimal salt intake measured through 24-hour urine collection. In the Emilia-Romagna region, 79% of men and 69% of women were overweight or obese, and more than half of the population consumed more salt than recommended.
In addition, physical inactivity and current smoking remain present in a significant share of the population. Compared to data collected approximately 15 years ago, a common trend in all four regions examined shows a significant reduction in hypercholesterolemia. High cholesterol was defined as having total cholesterol levels of 240 mg/dl or higher, or taking medication to treat it. Overall, the results of main health indicators underline the need for strengthened primary prevention, early detection and targeted health promotion strategies at both national and regional level, in line with JACARDI’s objectives.
Access available results from all regions here.