Introduction: Heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia and blindness risk are significantly increased by raised blood pressure (RBP). The WHO recommends a 25% relative reduction in the RBP prevalence by 2025 (baseline 2010). RBP prevalence and mean blood pressure were assessed in the Italian general adult population by periodic Health Examination Surveys (HESs) conducted within the CUORE Project. A new survey started in 2023 and is still ongoing, promoted and financed by the Ministry of Health – CCM and the European Commission through JACARDI. Hypothesis: This analysis aims to assess if Italy can meet the RBP WHO target in the general adult population using data measured in the periodic HESs conducted within the CUORE Project. Methods: In the period 2023-2025, BP measurements within a new HES were implemented. Up to now, data from random samples of residents in 17 Regions (out of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy are available (1731 men, 1749 women aged 35-74 years). BP was measured by automated oscillometric device using standardized procedures and methods. RBP was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mm Hg. Statistics were standardized by Italian 2024 age-sex distribution. Results: Mean value of systolic BP is 134 mmHg (95% confidence interval: 133-136 mmHg) in men and 126 mmHg (95% CI: 125-128 mmHg) in women. Mean value of diastolic BP is 79 mmHg (95% CI: 78-80 mmHg) in men and 75 mmHg (95% CI: 74-76 mmHg) in women. Prevalence of RBP is 37% (95% CI: 32-41%) in men and 23% (95% CI: 19-27%) in women. Among those with RBP and/or in treatment (49% of men and 37% of women), 41% of men and 31% women are unaware they could have BP control problems, 12% and 15% are aware but not in treatment, 23% and 35% are under treatment and at target, 24% and 19% are under treatment but not at target, respectively. Conclusions: Considering 2023-2025 preliminary data, significant reductions in RBP prevalence occurred compared to 25 years ago and 15 years ago HES data, while an increasing trend was found in comparison to 5 years ago. RBP is still high in the Italian adult population, and improvements on RBP awareness and control are still necessary. Prevalence of unaware persons with RBP supports the WHO recommendation to monitor targets by periodic survey based on measured data - HESs.
Cardinale et al. (Tue,) studied this question.