Abstract Body: Introduction: Raised blood pressure (RBP) constitutes a leading cause of premature death and disability worldwide, since it significantly increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia and blindness. The WHO recommends a 25% relative reduction in the prevalence of RBP by 2025, considering 2010 as baseline.
Hypothesis: In order to monitor the achievement of this target, prevalence of RBP and mean blood pressure were measured in the Italian general adult population within periodic health examination surveys (HESs) conducted within the CUORE Project.
Methods: In 2023 a new HES started including, up to now, data from random samples of residents aged 35-74 years (1,216 men, 1,235 women) in 12 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy. Blood pressure was measured at the right arm, in sitting position, by automated oscillometric device using standardized procedures and methods; the average of two measurements performed within 1-minute interval was used for the analysis. RBP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. The survey is implemented with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health - National Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.
Results: Preliminary analysis shows that prevalence of RBP is 37% (95% Confidence Interval -95% CI: 32-42%) in men and 23% (95% CI: 19-28%) in women. Mean value of systolic blood pressure is 135 mmHg (95% CI: 134-136 mmHg) in men and 126 mmHg (95% CI: 125-127 mmHg) in women. Mean value of diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg (95% CI: 79-81 mmHg) in men and 75 mmHg (95% CI: 75-76 mmHg) in women. Among those with RBP and/or in treatment (49% of men and 37% of women), 36% of men and 31% women are unaware they could have BP control problems, 9% and 9% are aware but not in treatment, 24% and 37% are under treatment and at target, 30% and 23% are under treatment but not at target, respectively.
Conclusions: These preliminary data underline that RBP is still high in the Italian adult population. Significant reductions in RBP prevalence occurred in comparison to previous HES data, 20% from 25 years ago, about 10% from 15 year ago, while a stable trend was found in comparison to 5 years ago. Improvements on RBP awareness and control are still necessary.