ROME (ITALPRESS) – World Heart Day brought together government officials, clinicians, patient associations, civil society and industry representatives in Rome today to take stock of the impact of cardiovascular disease in Italy and share strategies to enhance secondary prevention. The event, held with the nonconditional contribution of Novartis and the sponsorship of the Italian Society of Cardiology, the Italian Heart Failure Association and the Italian Heart Foundation, highlighted the need to put in place effective strategies to combat cardiovascular disease, which is still the leading cause of death in adults in Italy. In fact, in our country there are an estimated 230,000 deaths each year, 25 every hour, which could decrease significantly with an action plan that puts prevention as an investment first. In addition, the economic cost of cardiovascular disease is very high and destined to grow: at the European level it amounts to 282 billion euros, of which more than 41 billion in Italy alone.The meeting opened with a speech by Annarita Patriarca, Secretary of the Chamber, followed by Ilenia Malavasi, Member of the XII Commission. The deputies stressed the importance of strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention with targeted policies. They pointed out that although there is a National Chronicity Plan, it is unable to adequately focus on cardiovascular disease. The lack of a national action plan with clear goals for reducing mortality and increasing therapeutic adherence represents a significant gap that needs to be filled.Next, the panel discussion was kicked off by Paola Coco, CSO & Medical Affairs Head of Novartis Italy, who expressed how “we are in favor of implementing strategies to combat cardiovascular disease. In this journey, we stand alongside the scientific community, patients and institutions to foster models of care and information and prevention programs. We continue our commitment to the research and development of innovative solutions for the management of cardiovascular risk factors, such as LDL cholesterol and lipoprotein (a).” “There is renewed interest in lipoprotein (a),” says Ciro Indolfi, outgoing president of the Italian Society of Cardiology, “one of the new biomarkers that can improve cardiovascular risk stratification, and its measurement should be considered at least once in a lifetime. LDL cholesterol, however, is not only a risk factor but the cause of most myocardial infarctions. Today, fortunately, we have innovative drugs with which it is possible to achieve these ambitious levels of LDL cholesterol. “Finally, the discussion allowed for a voice for patient associations and civil society, with speeches by Maria Rosaria Di Somma, Delegate Councilor of the Italian Heart Failure Association, and Cristina Meneghin, Director of Scientific Communication of the Italian Heart Foundation. Both agreed on the importance of strengthening the dialogue between institutions, citizens and patients, but first and foremost that between doctor and patient. In fact, communication between the two main players in the care pathway is to be considered the pillar on which the construction of the therapeutic alliance is based, which is necessary to fully understand the specific needs of those who, on a daily basis, live with cardiovascular diseases. Effective communication is essential, for example, to promote therapeutic adherence, which is a key tool for achieving clinical outcomes. It was also emphasized that it is crucial to continue to engage in awareness campaigns, promoting all-round cardiovascular prevention by developing clear and accessible communication that can reach and involve all segments of the population. Only through increased information and awareness of citizens, and patients, will it be possible to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and improve collective health.-photo press office Esperia Advocacy-(ITALPRESS).
