From the 'heart' of Parliament to the squares, cholesterol check - Health and Wellness

Thanks to therapeutic innovation and prevention, a large number of deaths due to cardiovascular disease could be avoided. Despite this, in Italy, as in most Western countries, these diseases still represent the first cause of death in the adult population, with over 220 thousand deaths every year, which correspond to 25 every hour. Data that, if associated with the socio-economic impact, highlight the urgency of an action plan that focuses on prevention. It is precisely from this that an initiative that from the "heart" of Parliament arrives in the Italian squares, presented to the Chamber on the eve of World Heart Day. The initiative focuses on cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol defined as 'bad', which plays a crucial role as a risk factor. In two days, 100 parliamentarians, officials and staff members of the House underwent an activity to monitor their cholesterol levels, precisely to turn the spotlight on the importance of greater awareness. Novartis, with the patronage of the Italian Association of Decompensated and the Italian Foundation for the Heart, will then be present "in the heart" of some Italian cities - including Rome on September 30 in Piazza San Cosimato, and Naples on October 4 in Piazza Ugo la Malfa -, with appointments of free measurements of the lipid profile. "Cardiovascular diseases are unfortunately confirmed as the main cause of death in the world, causing more deaths than all cancers - underlines Pasquale Perrone Filardi, president of the Italian Society of Cardiology (Sic) -. The tools and innovation available allow preventive intervention on about 80% of cardiovascular events. Persevering with collective awareness-raising efforts helps reduce the incidence of risk and save many lives." "From the Chamber comes a clear signal on the importance of prevention. This has even greater significance - adds the deputy Annarita Patriarca, member of the XII Commission - if we consider that cardiovascular diseases are the first cause of death throughout the country".