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Raised blood pressure and its control: Italian health examination survey 2023-2024 - CUORE Project

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction Raised blood pressure (RBP) significantly increases heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, dementia and blindness risk. 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 with the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health-CCM. Methods In 2023-2024, BP measurements within a new HES started. Up to now, data from random samples of residents in 13 Regions (of 20 regions) distributed in North, Centre and South of Italy are available (1318 men, 1336 women aged 35-74 years). Blood pressure 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 blood pressure is 135 mmHg (95% CI: 133-137 mmHg) in men and 126 mmHg (95% CI: 124-128 mmHg) in women. Mean value of diastolic blood pressure is 80 mmHg (95% CI: 79-82 mmHg) in men and 75 mmHg (95% CI: 74-76 mmHg) in women. Prevalence of RBP is 38% (95% CI: 32-43%) in men and 23% (95% CI: 19-28%) in women. Among those with RBP and/or in treatment (49% of men and 37% of women), 42% of men and 33% women are unaware they could have BP control problems, 11% and 13% are aware but not in treatment, 26% and 19% are under treatment and at target, 21% and 34% are under treatment but not at target, respectively. Conclusions 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. Key messages • Raised blood pressure is still high in the Italian general adult population. • Improvements on raised blood pressure awareness and control are still necessary in the Italian general adult population.

Source: European Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaf161.1198