[Distribution of the global cardiovascular risk in the Italian population: results from the cardiovascular epidemiologic observatory].

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the 10-year cardiovascular risk categories using risk chart, recently set up by the National Institute of Health in the population examined by the Cardiovascular Epidemiologic Observatory.

Methods: 3745 men and 3664 women aged 40-69 years were classified into five risk categories (< 5 %; 5-10%; 10-15%; 15-20%; > or = 20%) taking into account age, smoking habit, history of diabetes, systolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol and excluding those already under treatment for hypertension and hypercholesterolaemia or experienced a previous major cardiovascular event (1937 persons: 955 men, 982 women).

Results: Proportion of people estimated at risk in 10 years > or = 20% is minimal in the youngest age range, increases in adulthood, duplicates in smokers and is higher in diabetics. In non-diabetic men that proportion varies between 3.4% in non-smokers and 5.6% in smokers. All women at risk are already under specific treatment.

Conclusions: Cardiovascular Epidemiologic Observatory data allowed to assess the expected proportion of individuals at risk in 10 years > or = 20%. Besides attention to high-risk individuals, preventive measures supporting a healthier lifestyle in the general population must be adopted, considering that it will produce the greatest number of events.