[The SEOT-Urbe project:an observational study on the cardiovascular profile of a young population living in the Roman suburb].
BACKGROUND
Although several observational studies regarding clinical aspects of different populations have been performed, information about the cardiovascular profile and the lifestyle of young Italian people is poor.


METHODS
A group of physicians working in the Roman area visited a population of outpatients aging between 20 and 50 years, with a medical history characterized by the absence of cardiovascular events. They collected information about the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, lifestyle, and the number of medical and instrumental controls performed by each patient.


RESULTS
5581 consecutive patients (2795 males, 2786 females, mean age 36 +/- 8 years) were included in this study. They were living in three different areas of the Roman suburb: civic zone, rural area, and seaside. At least one cardiovascular risk factor was observed in 4825 people (86.5%). Moreover 549 people (9.8%) reported more than three risk factors. Physical inactivity resulted the most frequently found risk factor; indeed its prevalence is high in every subgroup of patients, regardless of gender or geographical distribution. Regular medical controls are performed by 2774 people (49.7%), most of them being visited by general practitioners; 288 people (5.2%) complain of symptoms like dyspnea or palpitations. Cardiovascular therapy is taken more frequently than non-cardiovascular one (13.3 vs 3.7%). Very few instrumental exams (electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, physical stress test) show alterations. The analysis of the lifestyle and cardiovascular risk profile of people living in the different areas failed to show any significant differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the young age of the population, a great number of people show an increased cardiovascular risk profile and report a potentially dangerous lifestyle. The need for a primary prevention policy turns up in order to avoid the occurrence of as more expected cardiovascular events as possible.
Santini
Massimo
M
Dipartimento Cardiovascolare Ospedale San Filippo Neri Via G. Martinotti, 20 00135 Roma. m.santini@rmnet.it
Galeazzi
Marco
M
Nicolini
Gianfranco
G
Calicchia
Antonio
A
Quadrelli
Domenico
D
Pagnanelli
Luigi
L
D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003196:Computer Graphics; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D018881:Suburban Health