Starting in 2023, the Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-Metabolic Diseases and Aging of the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) launched a new health examination survey, the “Italian Health Examination Survey - CUORE Project” (ITA-HES – CUORE Project).

 

This population survey includes direct health indicator assessments on the general adult population, aimed at supporting actions included in the National Prevention Plan and Regional Prevention Plans. It also studies the temporal trend of risk factors and non-communicable diseases in random samples of the general population to compare them over time and across regions at national and international level.

 

The cross-sectional study of Ita-HES population surveys will constitute the baseline for longitudinal studies aimed at investigating the incidence and aetiology of non-communicable diseases.

 

In each italian region a sample of 200 individuals is enrolled, stratified by sex and age groups and randomly selected from the general population residing in a selected municipality. For each age group (35-44, 45-54, 55-64, 65-74) and sex, 25 persons are drawn.

 

Age range: 35-74 years

Baseline: March 2023 -

Biological samples collection: Serum, plasma, 24-hour urine samples

Collected data at the baseline:

• socio-demographic characteristics (age, gender, education level, employment, marital status)
• lifestyle (smoking habit, alcohol consumption, nutritional behaviour and food frequency, physical activity)
• use of drugs and supplements
• history of cardiovascular diseases (previous myocardial infarction, stroke, angina pectoris, intermittent claudication, atrial fibrillation, previous coronary artery bypass or revascularization surgery or, transient ischemic attack - TIA)
• familiarity with coronary artery and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia/hypertriglyceridemia
• previous non-communicable diseases
• measurement of blood pressure and heart rate
• measurement of weight, height, waist and hip circumference
• ability to perform basic and instrumental daily activities for personal care
• in people aged 65 years or older: quality of life, cognitive function and physical performance assessment
• health literacy
• steps count a day.

Laboratory analyses: total and HDL cholesterolemia, triglyceridemia, glycemia and creatininemia (from serum); urinary excretion of sodium, potassium and iodine, creatininuria, microalbuminuria (from 24-hour urine collection).

 

The detection of instrumental and haematochemical examinations follows methodologies and quality control recommended by the international guidelines. Standardized questionnaires are used for data collection.

 

The population survey is a Project implemented thanks to the technical and financial support of the Ministry of Health - National center for disease prevention and control (CCM) and of European Union.

 

The Department of Cardiovascular, Endocrine-metabolic and Aging Diseases of the ISS coordinates the organization of the survey, training, methods standardization, data collection, implementation of measurements, quality control, data analysis and results dissemination.

 

Collaborating healthcare facilities implement the population screening at the local level.

 

Past editions of population surveys:

• Marche
• Valle d’Aosta
• Tuscany
• Lombardy
• Apulia
• Campania
• Calabria
• Umbria
• Sardegna
• Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Trentino Alto Adige
• Basilicata
• Molise.

Ongoing population surveys:

• Abruzzo
• Emilia-Romagna
• Piemonte
• Liguria
• Lazio
• Veneto
• Sicilia.